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Aston Villa have been linked with a move for Sheffield Wednesday youngster Sean Clare.

The 21-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at League One Gillingham, but was recalled in January by Owls boss Jos Luhukay.

Midfielder Clare made his debut for Wednesday in their goalless draw at rivals Sheffield United and then went on to open the scoring against Villa, when the claret and blues ultimately prevailed 4-2 at Hillsborough back in February.

Despite manager Luhukay handing him his breakthrough into the first team, it’s understood that Clare has turned down the offer of a new contract and is looking for a new challenge.

The Londoner, who originally came through the Nike Academy and has also previously had loan spells at Bury and Accrington Stanley, has also accrued interest from Preston North End and Norwich City.

Villa, though, could be able to offer the potential of Premier League football next term if they get the better of Fulham in the play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, and the Mirror report that the club are confident of landing him ahead of other interested parties.

Sheffield Wednesday would be entitled to compensation because Clare is under the age of 23.

Sam's services

Sam Johnstone is a target for Aston Villa on a permanent basis this summer - that much is clear.

The Manchester United goalkeeper has been in excellent form across almost 18 months, spanning two seasons, on loan at Villa Park.

He’s been a large factor in the claret and blues’ rise into the promotion reckoning this season, as the club prepares for their monumental play-off final encounter with Fulham.

Manager Steve Bruce, who shipped out Pierluigi Gollini and brought Johnstone in as number one during his first transfer window at the club, has made no secret previously of his desire to keep the 25-year-old on a permanent deal.

Parent club United, who boast international stoppers David De Gea and Sergio Romero, are unlikely to be able to offer him regular football any time soon and extended his contract recently in order to ensure they will receive a transfer fee should they part with him.

The one catch, of course, is the potential competition Villa will face for Johnstone’s long-term services - particularly if they don’t secure promotion to the Premier League at the second time of asking next Saturday.

As well as West Ham United, who have sent back Joe Hart to Manchester City, there are now reports that newly promoted Cardiff City could make a move for Johnstone.

The Bluebirds, who secured the second automatic promotion place ahead of Villa, despite defeat at B6 late in the campaign, will need as many as six new faces, manager Neil Warnock has recently admitted.

Wilson a wanted Welshman

Aston Villa, Huddersfield Town and Leeds United are all battling it out with Rangers for Liverpool prospect Harry Wilson this summer.

The young winger is set for another loan spell next season after spending the second half of the recently ended campaign at Villa’s Championship rivals Hull City.

Wilson played 14 times for Nigel Adkins’ Tigers, and in that time he netted on seven occasions, including a brace in the frantic 5-5 draw with Bristol City.

While Hull are thought to be interested in bringing him back to the KCOM Stadium next year, his performances are understood to have attracted competition from elsewhere.

Villa, who will face Fulham for a place in the Premier League next season when they do battle at Wembley on Saturday, are one club who The Sun think will take a look at Wilson.

Steve Bruce has already had a number of youngsters on loan from the top flight’s big boys - Sam Johnstone, Axel Tuanzebe and Josh Onomah among the current crop.

Jurgen Klopp is ready to send Welsh international Wilson out for more experience, but Villa aren’t alone.

Yorkshire rivals Leeds United, set for a squad revamp under Paul Heckingbottom this summer, and top flight Huddersfield Town are also credited with interest.

Rangers, too, are mentioned; Anfield legend Steven Gerrard has recently been announced as the club’s new manager and, after securing deals for Brighton’s Jamie Murphy and Burnley’s Scott Arfield, there are reports that the Gers could join the race for a player Gerrard knows well.

A Royal in attendance

Aston Villa have invited Prince William to attend the claret and blues’ play-off final against Fulham.

It is hoped that the Duke of Cambridge, an avid Villa fan, can inspire the team to success in what is dubbed the most lucrative match in football.

Victory at Wembley on Saturday would confirm promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking for Villa, and is thought to be worth as much as £170m to the club that comes out on top.

The Telegraph reports that Keith Wyness, the club’s chief executive, has extended the offer of an invite to Prince William for what would be a week after his brother Prince Harry was wed to Meghan Markle.

William recently attended the claret and blues’ dramatic victory over promotion rivals Cardiff City at Villa Park and invited former favourite John Carew to join him.

Now, he could visit the home of football for his second match of the campaign, one Villa will hope ends in the ultimate success.

Why does Prince William support Villa, though?

Ahead of Villa’s FA Cup defeat to Arsenal in May 2015, he spoke to BBC presenter Gary Linker about his Villa allegiance.

He said: “A long time ago at school I got into football big time. I was looking around for clubs. All my friends at school were either Man United fans or Chelsea fans and I didn’t want to follow the run of the mill teams.

“I wanted to have a team that was more mid-table that could give me more emotional rollercoaster moments.

“Aston Villa’s always had a great history. I have got friends of mine who support Aston Villa and one of the first FA Cup games I went to was Bolton v Aston Villa back in 2000. Sadly, Villa went on to lose to Chelsea.

“It was fantastic, I sat with all the fans with my red beanie on, and I was sat with all the Brummie fans and had a great time.

“It was the atmosphere, the camaraderie and I really felt that there was something I could connect with.”