Aston Villa are ahead of Manchester United in the battle for Dundee United teen Kerr Smith.

Aston Villa are now leading the race for the highly-rated centre-half, says The Sun.

The 16-year-old looks to be heading to Villa Park rather than Old Trafford at the end of the season.

He could join Villa in the summer for around £500,000 down, plus extras.

Smith has been to United to train for a week.

And Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side felt they were in the driving seat to secure his signature.

However, there may be a clearer pathway to the first team at Villa.