Premiership trio eye Argyle starlet

Skysports.com understands that Aston Villa, Everton and Southampton are all monitoring the progress of Plymouth Argyle's highly rated defender Paul Connolly.

The 20-year-old Liverpudlian has come through the ranks at Plymouth and is now first choice at right back.

Connolly was handed a new three-year deal earlier this year, as a mark of his tremendous progress he has made since making his first team debut in 2001.

Plymouth have won two promotions in three seasons, but their play has not gone unchecked and now a number of clubs are eyeing the Devon club as a potential source of exciting talent.

Connolly is understood to have caught the eye of the Premiership clubs in recent weeks, although they are not the first to have asked about his progress.

The player's agent Neil Sang confirmed to skysports.com that there was interest, but denied knowing anything about Villa, Everton or Southampton.

"Premiership clubs have asked about Paul's mentality and attitude, but I must state that none of the three clubs mentioned were amongst them," said Sang.

"Paul is very happy where he is and is playing wonderfully.

"His future is very much in the hands of Plymouth and Paul is more than happy with that.

"He will just continue playing like he is and who knows what may happen in the future."

The news of Southampton's interest is no surprise at all, due to the fact that his former boss Paul Sturrock (pictured) is now in charge at St Mary's - and he more than anyone will be aware of his capabilities.