Aston Villa appear to have leapfrogged Burnley in the race to sign West Brom defender Harry Williams.

The Lowdown: Williams’ Burnley trial

The Baggies reportedly told Williams he is free to find a new club, with the 18-year-old recently heading to Lancashire for a Clarets trial.

Burnley were thought to be impressed with Williams following his youth-team displays and were set to give the youngster a number of weeks to impress.

However, no deal has been reached for the centre-back as of yet, and it now seems as if Villa have moved into pole position.

The Latest: Villa source shares update

Football Insider ran a story on Williams on Saturday morning, claiming he has headed to Villa after being given permission from West Brom.

A Villa source revealed that Williams has been at the club and is expected to spend a week with the Villans ahead of a potential move.

The latest report claims Burnley are still in the race, but with the central defender now at Villa, it seems as if Dean Smith’s side now hold the upper hand.

The Verdict: Latest addition to Villa’s exciting youth set up?

Should Williams pen terms at Villa Park, he could well become the latest addition to the club’s exciting youth side.

Villa are actually in the FA Youth Cup semi-final against West Brom, however, you’d expect Williams to link up with the club’s Under-23 side, should he move across the Midlands.

He already has eight Premier League 2 appearances under his belt at the age of 18, and that could well increase over the next 12 months if Villa secure his services.

In other news: Villa set to launch £15m bid for creative ace, find out more here.