Northern Irelands goalkeeper Pierce Charles (left) and teammate Shea Charles (right).
Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles (left) and teammate Shea Charles (right). Liam McBurney/PA Wire.
Aston Villa have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign goalkeeping youngster Pierce Charles who made a claim for himself as Northern Ireland's number one.
The 19-year-old shot-stopper is currently at Sheffield Wednesday where he is second choice behind James Beadle, 20, despite the former signing a long-term contract last summer.
Formerly of Manchester City's academy, Charles has only played six times in total for the Owls. However, his lack of club action has not scared off Premier League suitors who have been impressed by his international exploits. The Manchester-born 'keeper has appeared four times for Northern Ireland and scouts have come away from the Nations League games in which he has played with glowing reports.
Charles' ability to play out from the back has meant that top clubs have identified him as a target, with Villa reportedly being one of those.
Emiliano Martínez is, of course, the Villans' undisputed first choice, however the club is reportedly willing to offload second choice Robin Olsen in favour of emerging talent should the opportunity arise. Charles could provide that opportunity with Villa able to offer a number two role in the goalkeeping department, with competition from Australian Joe Gauci.
Charles started training with the senior Owls squad from the age of 16 and is the brother of teammate Shea Charles who is on loan at Danny Röhl's side from Southampton.
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