Maidstone United academy defender Ben Swift is spending a third week on trial with Aston Villa as the Premier League club decide whether to offer him a deal.

Swift impressed at left-back as Villa under-18s beat West Ham 3-1 on Saturday morning.

And the 17-year-old is likely to learn his future after this weekend's game against Southampton, when he will start in his preferred position at centre-half.

United academy boss Jack Parkinson travelled to the Midlands to keep an eye on Swift and also watched him against West Ham.

Parkinson said: "The manager said Ben was outstanding and if he'd been a 16-year-old they'd have offered him a scholarship already but being 17 they've got to make a decision on him as a professional.

"They're going to play him at centre-half against Southampton on Saturday, then they'll make a decision.

"They want a strong centre-half who's dominant at set-pieces.

"Ben's played left-back so far, so the test will be against Southampton.

"He's under no illusions how tough it is to get a pro deal but even if nothing comes of it, it's a fantastic experience.

"All he can do is get his head down and keep working hard. Whatever else happens is a bonus.

"It's brilliant for me as a coach to see him doing well. I'm so pleased for him.

"He's one of the nicest lads you could meet, very grounded with a supportive family.

"He's the sort of lad you want in your team and that's why we made him academy captain."

United's academy will travel to Villa for a friendly in December.