By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

9th Nov, 2023 | 1:01pm

Sources: Aston Villa and Southampton plot January bids for Derby County sensation Darren Robinson

Aston Villa and Southampton are tracking Derby County teenage sensation Darren Robinson, sources have told Football Insider.

The 18-year-old midfielder is regarded as a potential superstar by the Rams after his impressive progress since joining in the summer of 2021.

Villa and the Saints are plotting bids ahead of January, with the Northern Ireland Under-21 international’s contract set to expire in the summer of 2024.

Both clubs have been long-term admirers of Robinson, who last year was named Derby County’s Scholar of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Former Derby manager Wayne Rooney is also believed to be a “huge” fan of him, sources say, and is convinced the youngster is destined for big things.

Robinson made senior one appearance in the Championship as a substitute against Bristol City in 2022 and two appearances in the EFL Trophy last season.

This campaign, he has been limited to just three starts in the Premier League 2 but has made the bench for the first team on five occasions in League One as well as the FA Cup and League Cup.

He is also a regular for his nation’s youth sides, making his debut for the Northern Ireland under-21s in September.

Robinson is a versatile player and has played at centre-back, central midfield and right midfielder but he predominantly plays in defensive midfield.

Aston Villa have a swathe of young stars from their academy out on loan, including Louie Barry and Finn Azaz as well as selling academy product Cameron Archer to Sheffield United for a reported £18million this summer.

The Rams currently sit seventh in the third division after 15 games with seven wins and five defeats.

In other news, Aston Villa are ready to accept 28-year-old offer after talks collapse.