One of the Socceroos’ brightest young stars is ‘being chased by Prince William’s favourite Premier League team’

Socceroos young gun Joe Gauci is reportedly on the verge of sealing a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Gauci, 23, is currently in camp with Australia for the Asian Cup in Qatar – with a report by Sky Sports suggesting the goalkeeper will be signed as cover for first-choice gloveman Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina in 2022.

Unai Emery’s side are flying high in the Premier League, sitting in fourth spot – but the team famously supported by Prince William were beaten 3-1 by Newcastle on Wednesday morning.

Gauci’s possible move to England comes after the shot-stopper told Daily Mail Australia in October last year that he was committed to honing his craft between the sticks in the A-League.

He also penned a three-year contract extension with Adelaide United in April.

Prince William is a committed Aston Villa fan, with the heir to the throne often seen at home games and at the club’s training ground

Gauci penned a three-year contract extension with Adelaide United in April – but told Daily Mail Australia he would move overseas ‘when the right door opens’

‘Like any ambitious footballer, I am driven to get the best out of my career,’ he said.

‘I believe in the club, that’s why I extended my time here. I will test myself abroad when the right door opens, but for me, game time is crucial.

‘I will keep working hard to remain first choice [at Adelaide], football can change very quickly, I know that.’

The Prince of Wales has long been a Villa fan, and often visits the club’s training ground at Bodymoor Heath.

‘We hear from him quite a bit,’ defender Matty Cash said in December.

‘He comes to training sessions. He speaks to us like a normal guy and we treat him that way when he comes. 

‘He likes to be around the lads because he is a massive Villa fan. He knows all our names and our nicknames, everything. 

‘He is a proper supporter.’