By Sam Stone

29th May, 2022 | 7:57pm

Aston Villa and Southampton join pursuit of Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards

Aston Villa and Southampton have joined a number of Premier League clubs in pursuing a move for Peterborough’s 19-year-old defender Ronnie Edwards, according to The Sun.

The newspaper reported on Sunday [May 29] that Crystal Palace, Manchester United and Tottenham are also linked with a summer deal for the Posh defender.

Edwards has played 34 times for Peterborough this season and has been called up to the England under-19 squad for next month’s European Championships.

Villa and the Saints are believed to be eyeing a £10million swoop for the defender.

Held in high regard

It’s clear that Peterborough rate Edwards extremely highly with director of football Barry Fry suggesting it will take a record bid for him to let Edwards leave the club.

The 19-year-old has made 34 appearances for the Posh this season and despite their relegation, he has been a huge positive for Grant McCann’s side.

Playing 34 games in senior football at such a young age will be an invaluable experience for the defender and he should consider his next move wisely.

Too often we see a young payer move to a Premier League club and fail to make an impact before being loaned out or sold permanently.

Young players like Edwards would be better off staying at a club where they will be featuring week in and week out.

The young defender should contemplate his next move carefully.

If the defender does move to a Premier League club, a loan move back to London Road would be a sensible decision to continue his development.

In other Aston Villa news, Rory Wilson announces Rangers exit with Aston Villa leading race for his services