One of the Socceroos' brightest young stars is 'being chased by Prince William's favourite Premier League team'
- Goalkeeper Joe Gauci could be Premier League-bound
- A-League star, 23, is reportedly being eyed by Aston Villa
- Club is famously supported by Prince William
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.
![Socceroos young gun Joe Gauci is reportedly on the verge of sealing a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/31/00/80657451-13025847-image-a-31_1706659848782.jpg)
Socceroos young gun Joe Gauci is reportedly on the verge of sealing a move to the Premier League with Aston Villa
![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](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/31/00/80657807-13025847-Prince_William_is_a_long_term_Aston_Villa_fan_and_is_often_seen_-a-4_1706661979721.jpg)
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'](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/01/31/00/80657671-13025847-Gauci_penned_a_three_year_contract_extension_with_Adelaide_Unite-a-5_1706661979723.jpg)
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.'