Aston Villa are observing 17-year-old Scottish Hearts defender Alfie Osborne and have recently inquired about his situation. Other clubs also have a serious interest in him ahead of the summer window. It is reported that Arsenal and Manchester City are the primary clubs interested, while Leeds United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, and Fulham are also observing the player. Representatives from both Arsenal and Manchester City were present to watch Osborne play for Scotland's Under-19s, for which he has four caps, and his performance has increased efforts from clubs to be in a position for a summer transfer. Under current regulations, English clubs could sign Osborne for a compensation fee of less than £250,000. Hearts have attempted to sign the defender to a new long-term contract, but it has been reported that Osborne is not currently planning to extend his stay, which makes a move possible. In the 2025/2026 season, Osborne has made 27 appearances and scored one goal in the Scottish Lowland Football League.