Maidstone United academy defender Ben Swift has been offered a deal by Premier League giants Aston Villa.

Swift, 17, is considering a six-month scholarship which could lead to a professional contract if he continues to impress.

Villa made their offer after Swift completed 90 minutes at centre-half in a 2-1 defeat by Southampton under-18s on Saturday – his third match on trial with the Midlands club.

He’s been given time to think about the scholarship and United academy boss Jack Parkinson expects to learn more over the next few days.

Other clubs have expressed an interest and Swift must decide whether to accept a scholarship or try to secure an immediate professional contract elsewhere.

Parkinson said: “Ben wants to think about it, speak to people and get some advice. He may feel he needs longer than six months for security.

“Villa want to see him when he’s fully fit and by that I mean their fully fit rather than ours.

“I think they’re saying that hopefully in that time he’ll reach the level of fitness they want and that will give him the best opportunity to get a pro deal.

“Out of a squad of 17 only three or four get a pro deal so he’s under no illusions how tough it will be.

“For me, it’s a fantastic achievement to be offered a six-month scholarship.

“All along I genuinely felt they’d offer him something because he’s different to what they've got.

“I've watched him train and play for them and there’s no one like him there.

“What they were going to offer was always going to be the question.

“Ben was quite cool with it. He didn’t really get involved in the hype. He kept his head down and it showed.

“One of the things they stressed is he’s a great lad as well.

“He’s fitted in and been good around the other boys and that’s credit to Ben and his family.

“Villa have been very good and will give him as long as he needs.

“There are a few more offers on the table. It’s a matter of doing what’s best for Ben.”

Maidstone couldn’t command a fee for Swift as full-time students cannot be on contract.

But Parkinson hopes Stones chief executive Bill Williams may be able to help with negotiations.

Parkinson added: “I need to speak to Bill because, whatever happens, the club have always been very supportive. If Ben were to go, maybe we’d be able to agree terms on certain things.

“In the meantime, it’s a matter of seeing what Ben wants to do. Maybe we can see if there’s an opportunity to lengthen the deal.

“He may think it’s too good an opportunity to turn down but he’s a young lad and his girlfriend and family are down here and sometimes lads don’t want to move.

“I honestly don’t know what he’ll do at the minute. It’s all happened quite quickly.

“You always have a gut feeling and that tends to be the one you end up going with.”