Aston Villa have been linked to three youngsters as they look to bolster their ranks for next season and support the already fantastic youth set-up at the club. The first isn’t actually a teenager, apologies for the title, he is 20-year-old Barnsley midfielder Jacob Butterfield, with the player yet to agree an extension on his current deal which expires in 2012. Villa are joined by Premier League and Midland rivals Wolves in their interest, along with newly promoted QPR. Despite his tender age, Butterfield has been a key figure at Oakwell this term, starting 18 of his 40 league appearances, netting twice and picking up 5 assists. The remaining two interests come from overseas with Houllier’s French ties undoubtedly a major factor in the rumour linking the club with Lens, relegated from Ligue 1 this season, defender Raphael Varane. The Express & Star claim that Man Utd are also after the 18-year-old who has started 20 games in the league this term, also netting twice. The centre back can also play as a holding midfielder and has a pass success rate of 76%, aerial success rate of 69% and makes an average of 1.7 tackles a game. The youngster represents France at Under-21 level. Finally, and probably most speculatively, we have been mooted with an interest, along with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and United, with Barcelona starlet, 16-year-old, Hector Bellerin. The teenager is apparently a winger/striker in the Ashley Young elk but I know little more about him, other than what SkySports can tell you!
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