The 18-year-old England youth international made 13 appearances for the Potters last season and is on Villa’s list of targets.
But they are not alone in their admiration for the midfielder, with Lille having also tracked his progress, according to reports in France.
Recruiting young talent is a central part of Villa’s long-term strategy with Netherlands under-19 international forward Zepiquendo Redmond having become their first signing of the transfer window earlier this month.
Redmond, who played twice in the Champions League for Feyenoord last season, arrived on a free transfer.
Another teenager, Turkish defender Yasin Ozcan, has also formally joined from Kasimpasa after the clubs struck an agreement during the January transfer window.
Villa are also among the clubs monitoring attacking midfielder Rodolfo Aloko, who currently plays in Croatia for NK Kustosija.
The 18-year-old was called up to the Benin national team last month and has caught the attention of several clubs across Europe.
Kustosija, who are gaining a reputation for being a hotbed of talent, having previously sold two players to Barcelona.