Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks to sign West Ham United's highly-rated young forward Sonny Perkins.

What's the word

That is according to the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue an update over the transfer saga surrounding the 18-year-old, saying: "Leeds and Aston Villa have opened talks to sign promising forward Sonny Perkins. Perkins has made 3 appearances for West Ham. Both clubs want to sign him."

The Villans will face stern competition from Leeds United, who may be able to offer the prospect a clearer path to first team football.

As per a report from Inside Futbol, the Whites are looking to splash cash on academy recruitment this summer, which appears to be the biggest stumbling block for Villa in this transfer race as it stands.

Gerrard surely buzzing

Amidst what seems to be a mini-rebuild at Villa Park, Gerrard will likely be eager to sign another forward to provide some much needed depth up top.

A prospect like Perkins could offer just that, so long as he would be willing to play a bit-part role as an understudy to the likes of Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins, of course.

The teenager has enjoyed a solid campaign, spending the majority of his time with the Hammers' under-23s, for whom he notched one assist in 21 appearances in Premier League 2.

His performances have not gone unnoticed by David Moyes, who has given him well-earned minutes in the first team this season, with Perkins playing 99 minutes in the Europa League, having started the home game against Dinamo Zagreb.

At the age of 18 and given his solid return for the reserves, the starlet could now be looking for regular minutes at first-team level, although it remains to be seen as to whether West Ham, Aston Villa or Leeds could promise him that.

Perkins is definitely one to watch for the future, and if Gerrard manages to prize the asset from the clutches of Moyes, he will be buzzing to have bagged himself a potential future star, while also weakening a Premier League rival.

In other news: Gerrard must pounce on Villa swoop for £263k-p/w "stallion" who supporters would love