Adam Matthews has entered the thoughts of Aston Villa Football Club.

The young defender has impressed since breaking into the side at Championship side Cardiff City, who realise they face a fight to keep him in their ranks.

Arsenal and Manchester United are known admirers of the 17-year-old, and the Daily Mail claim Villa have now entered the race for his signature.

In many ways Matthews is a typical Martin O’Neill signing, as the Ulsterman looks to take the best young homegrown talent to his Midlands club.

He may have to join the queue and wait until the summer for Matthews though, as Bluebirds chairman Peter Ridsdale has made no secret of his desire to keep him this season.

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