By Wayne Veysey

9th Jan, 2022 | 8:00am

Sources: Aston Villa submit formal bid for Smith

Aston Villa have submitted a bid for Dundee United sensation Kerr Smith, Football Insider understands.

The 17-year-old, who can play at centre-back or right-back, has attracted the interest of a number of English Premier League clubs after catching the eye at Tannadice.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Villa have tabled a firm offer for Smith as they look to secure his signature in this month’s transfer window.

Smith has made seven appearances in all competitions this season to add to the five he made during last season’s breakthrough campaign.

His first senior outing came off the bench on 21 February 2021 as his side were beaten 4-1 by Rangers at Ibrox.

Since making his debut, appearances have come sporadically.

Smith has started three league games this season and played the full 90 minutes as his side held on to secure an impressive 1-1 draw with Celtic on 26 September.

As per a report from The Courier published in September 2020, Smith actually visited Villa before signing his first professional deal with Dundee United.

That report also claimed Manchester United held an interest in the defender.

Smith is under contract until May 2023 after he signed his first professional deal in December 2020.

The defender also has one Scotland Under 19s outing to his name after playing 90 minutes against Gibraltar Under 19s in November.

Dundee United went into the winter break seventh in the Premiership.

Villa lie 13th in the Premier League table, 11 points off the relegation zone.

In other news, an ex-Premier League referee has revealed an Aston Villa star should face retrospective punishment after ‘outrageous cheating’.