Sources: Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Preston in race to sign Ashton Powney
Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Preston North End are eyeing moves for Doncaster City FC goalkeeper Ashton Powney, sources have told Football Insider.
Powney has caught the eye of the Championship trio after impressing for Doncaster City in the Northern Counties East Division One league, the tenth tier of the English football pyramid.
The 17-year-old's promise and potential has seen him as earn a call-up for England Schoolboys at Under-18 level, and he also now has eyes on him from the Championship.
The England Schools’ FA is for youngsters who are still in full-time education, but do not have a scholarship deal tying them to a professional club.
Powney has caught the eye as a young talent with potential in the game, and clubs are now queuing up to offer him a chance to impress.
He would likely join up with the academy setup at whichever club he joined, but is viewed as a player who could have a big future ahead of him.
Championship trio battle for emerging starlet
The non-league route has become an increasingly well-trodden path for EFL players in recent years, as several stars have successfully navigated their way through the semi-professional leagues.
Professional clubs regularly keep an eye on the non-league pyramid for promising talents that could have a future in the EFL.
Powney has been identified as a young player showing plenty of promise, and three clubs with esteemed academies are now lining up moves for him.
The young shot-stopper looks set to have a choice between Middlesbrough, Preston and Bristol City, with all three keen to add him to their youth ranks.
Middlesbrough see door open to keep loan star
Football Insider revealed back in April that Middlesbrough "would love" to keep Newcastle loanee Matt Targett permanently.
The veteran left-back impressed with four goals and four assists during his stint at the Riverside Stadium last term, and has already been linked with a permanent move to Teeside.
The door is now open for Boro to make his return a reality, after Newcastle recently confirmed that Targett will leave upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
He will now be available on a free transfer this summer, handing Middlesbrough the perfect chance to sign him once again.