text: A host of clubs are tracking Aston Villa’s young central defender Kevin Toner as his contract nears its end. Norwich, Leicester, Newcastle and Stoke have watched Toner, one of Villa’s most promising young players who captains their Under-21 team aged just 18. His current deal runs out this summer and Villa, keen to keep their best academy graduates, have made an offer of fresh terms. But it is understood other clubs are ready to declare their hands and Villa risk losing him. Kevin Toner, seen here in action against Liverpool in an FA Youth Cup tie, is being tracked by several clubs . Toner (left), Aston Villa's U21 captain at the age of just 18, is out of contract at the end of the summer . Toner has been capped by Republic of Ireland’s Under-19s and Roy Keane is believed to have told Under-21 boss Noel King of his potential. Tim Sherwood is keen to develop Villa’s young talent and Toner has been among a select few to train with the first team, alongside the likes of Lewis Kinsella and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy. Toner is known for his leadership abilities and wears the Under-21 armband even when seasoned pros drop down to development matches. Tim Sherwood is keen to develop Aston Villa's young talent, with Toner training with the first-team .
target: Aston Villa defender Kevin Toner captains the club Under-21 team .
  The 18-year-old is being tracked by number of rival Premier League clubs .
  Newcastle and Stoke have been watching the young central defender .