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Cardiff City could receive a transfer offer from Aston Villa this summer.
Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing Cardiff City wonderkid midfielder Troy Perrett and could make an approach as soon as this summer.
Likened to Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey by those in Cardiff’s academy circle, Perrett has been progressing nicely in the Bluebirds’ youth ranks and was recently promoted to full training with the first team. Although still without a senior appearance, the 18-year-old signed his first professional contract in the summer and it won’t be long until he’s handed an opportunity.
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Perrett, four times a Wales under-19 international, is predominantly a deep-lying playmaker but he also enjoys playing in the number 10 role. His versatility has been utilised by Cardiff’s under-21 team in the FA Youth Cup and Welsh League Cup this season, with one goal and one assist across six appearances.
Unai Emery could raid Cardiff City for young midfielder Troy Parrett as Aston Villa hold a serious interest.Unai Emery could raid Cardiff City for young midfielder Troy Parrett as Aston Villa hold a serious interest.
Unai Emery could raid Cardiff City for young midfielder Troy Parrett as Aston Villa hold a serious interest. | Getty Images
Cardiff head coach Omer Riza recently singled out Perrett for praise when asked about emerging youngsters. "Anyone who has stood out for me? I think Troy Perrett has done very well," Riza said via Wales Online.
"He has trained up and played in the international breaks at times. These things take time. It's hard enough trying to get the lads like Ash (Cian Ashford), it's taken me a whole season to get Ash playing and performing."
BBC Sport reports several Premier League clubs are tracking Perrett’s development with Villa leading the chase. The Villans are said to have tried to sign Perrett previously before he put pen to paper on his first professional terms with Cardiff.
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It may be tricky to lure Perrett away from a club he’s been with since the age of eight - especially as he’s recently been named on the bench in the Championship - but Villa have quite the allure. Another challenge is to beat other Premier League teams to Perrett’s signature as it’s mentioned several clubs have sent scouts to watch him in action this term.
Aston Villa target progressing nicely
Thankful for the opportunities Cardiff have given him so far, Perrett is delighted to be making the step up to the first team. Transfer speculation is unlikely to be filtering into his thoughts as he’s fully focused on his progression at his current club.
"The coaches are believing in me and I'm grateful for that. I just want to keep working hard, keep listening to them and see where it takes me,” Perrett said via Cardiff’s website.
"They give me feedback and push me really well and I know what they are talking about, which is good. I think moving forward, I want to keep improving myself, because all I want to do is get better and carry on like I have been.
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"I've been in the academy for 10-11 years now, so it has been really good to get to where I am. Looking back on all those years and seeing that the work has paid off, hopefully I can keep moving forward."
In other news, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Villa have been given the opportunity to sign a Chelsea player this summer.