Leeds United and Aston Villa are battling it out to secure the signature of non-league sensation Ed Williams, according to Football Insider.
The 23-year-old midfielder joined National League North outfit Kidderminster Harriers in June 2018 and the creative midfielder has already netted six goals in nine games.
He arrived at Aggborough from Gloucester City after being crowned the club’s 2017/18 Player of the Year and has adapted well to life in the sixth tier of English football.
Scouts from Championship giants Leeds and Villa were reportedly looking on as Kidderminster defeated Atherstone Town in the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday and could swoop for the England C international.
A creative spark in Kidderminster’s midfield, Williams is also said to have attracted interest from Derby County and Ipswich Town. The circling clubs will be encouraged by the fact that he only signed a one-year deal in the summer, meaning that the Harriers may miss out on receiving a fee if they retain his services for the duration of the 2018/19 campaign.
Leeds and Aston Villa have made contrasting starts to the season, with the Whites sitting top of the Championship table and the Villains languishing in mid-table obscurity. Leeds’ charismatic manager Marcelo Bielsa has brought admiring eyes to focus on the action at Elland Road, whereas Villa boss Steve Bruce has faced criticism following a series of underwhelming displays.
Bielsa has seemed content with his Leeds side but Bruce has been linked with moves for several players since the summer transfer window slammed shut. Rumoured targets of the former Hull City manager include Steven Caulker, James Collins, Scott McKenna and Gary Cahill.
Both sides return to action on Friday night, with Leeds set to face Sheffield Wednesday in a Yorkshire derby and Villa preparing to take on Bristol City.
