Middlesbrough set to win the race for 16-year-old Swindon starlet Harley Hunt on a deal that could rise to £1.5million… after beating out Premier League competition for his signature

Middlesbrough appear to have won the battle for highly-rated Swindon Town centre-back Harley Hunt.

Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Southampton are closely monitoring the 16-year-old, who broke into Swindon’s first team last season.

The 1.90m tall defender can play in a three- and four-man defence and has also played in midfield due to his technical skills with the ball.

Hunt is one of many youngsters who have benefited from the situation at Swindon, where under the leadership of football director Jamie Russell the emphasis is on giving opportunities to youngsters.

Boro, under the management of Michael Carrick, believe Hunt has the potential to make the step up and challenge for a first-team place.

Boro, led by Michael Carrick (pictured), believe Hunt has the potential to make the step up and challenge for a first-team place.

Carrick assistant coach Jonathan Woodgate, the former Real Madrid centre-back, is also said to have played a role in convincing Hunt to make the switch.

The fee is still being discussed, but Mail Sport understands it is expected to be in the region of £500,000, with a further £1million. Hunt is expected to undergo a medical before signing his contract.

Hunt is not the only youngster from Swindon attracting attention at the highest level.

Their 17-year-old striker Botan Ameen was called up by Iraq this month to play for their U20s in the Asian Cup qualifiers, having recently been watched by Manchester United and Wolves, among others.