Aston Villa in hunt for in-demand defender from semi-finalists, available at cut-price - reports
Aston Villa are in the hunt to sign Yeovil defender Tom James in the summer transfer window, according to a report.
The Bristol Post claims that Bristol City, Brentford and Premier League club Swansea are also interested in James, 21, after being left impressed by his performances in League Two this season.
The Independent has previously reported that the in-demand defender is available at a cut-price fee of less than £500,000 in the summer, with Celtic and Bournemouth also keeping close tabs on his situation at Yeovil.
James has been a mainstay for Yeovil this season making 45 appearances across all competitions and scoring one goal.
The former Cardiff and Wales Under-19s international helped the Glovers reach the semi-finals of the EFL Trophy earlier this term, where they lost 1-0 to League One high-flyers Shrewsbury.
He can also play in any position across the back-line.
Football Insider verdict
At 21-years-of-age, James has a decent amount of experience under his belt at Yeovil and it does look as though it is time for him to step up to a higher level, however the Premier League may be a touch too far for him if Villa go up. At best, James should be tested in League One or the Championship first because there's very little chance he would get any game time in the top-flight. That being said, £500,000 is barely anything to teams like Villa or Swansea, who would no doubt be willing to pay that on someone who could be worth more in a year or two.