Aston Villa could lose Championship teenager to Manchester City

Aston Villa could be set to miss out on the signing of Barnsley defender James Bree with Manchester City interested in the teenage defender, reports The Daily Mirror.

Bree, 19, has made immense progress for Barnsley since breaking into the first team at the end of the 2013/14 campaign and Premier League scouts have taken a keen interest in him since.

Villa manager Steve Bruce is ready to step up his interest in the Barnsley defender after watching him impress in their FA Cup draw with Blackpool at the weekend.

However, the Championship side could be set to miss out on Bree’s signature with Pep Guardiola keen to snap up the right-back, who can also play in midfield.

The teenager’s rise is similar to John Stones’, who came through the Barnsley academy before sealing a £47.5m move to Manchester City in the summer after switching Barnsley for Everton in 2013.

Bree has made 17 appearances in the Championship this season and registered two assists from right back.

For more stats on James Bree, click here to visit his WhoScored player page