EXCLUSIVE By Pete O’Rourke

Aston Villa and Premier League duo Bournemouth and Brighton are tracking Sheffield Wednesday defender Matt Penney, Football Insider sources understands.

The Midlands giants have set their sights on the rising star after he impressed officials from the club in Wednesday’s 2-1 win over the Midlands giants at Villa Park last month.

A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Premier League pair Bournemouth and Brighton have also sent scouts to watch Penney in action this season.

Wednesday have moved to open talks with the youngster over a new deal at Hillsborough amid concern he will leave.

Penney has been a revelation for Wednesday since making his debut earlier this season and he has established himself in Jos Luhukay’s starting XI in the last few months.

The 20-year-old, who has played at left-back, left-wing and as part of a three-man attack during his 10 appearances to date, is highly-regarded at Hillsborough and his performances have not gone unnoticed among other clubs.

Wednesday are keen to resolve Penney’s future as soon as possible aware of the growing interest in the player from Premier League and Championship clubs.

In other Villa news, it can be revealed the club are ready to lodge a bid for a player in the form of his life after a brilliant 2018.