'Want to sign...' - Aston Villa now looking to add yet another 'real talent' for Gerrard

Aston Villa are interested in signing West Ham United youngster Sonny Perkins, according to reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano. 

Born in London, Perkins made the switch from the Leyton Orient academy to West Ham in 2019 before progressing through the ranks.

The 18-year-old striker has scored 19 times and provided five assists in 53 outings for the youth sides in East London, making three senior appearances under David Moyes last season.

However, as Villa continue to push for summer squad additions, Perkins appears to be the next on the radar of Steven Gerrard…

Taking to Twitter, transfer expert Romano has claimed that the Midlands club and a major Premier League rival have initiated discussions with the England youth international.

He said: “Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins. Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him.”

Already heavily tipped to complete the signing of Rangers starlet Rory Wilson, the pursuit of Perkins – who was described as a ‘real talent’ by journalist Tom Clark following a goal for the West Ham Under 23 side – is another nod towards those in positions of recruitment at Villa Park looking to freshen up the ranks in the Midlands.

Last season, the teenage frontman scored 14 times and registered another two assists in 29 outings across the youth levels and three senior displays.

Seemingly prepared to make a move this summer following a contractual disagreement, Tottenham are also in the mix to land the six-cap England Under 18 sensation and therefore, Villa should be pushing hard to make this deal come to fruition ahead of domestic competitors.

Since arriving at the club, Gerrard has shown a penchant for giving youth a chance