Aston Villa beat Manchester City to Championship teenager

Aston Villa have announced they have signed highly rated Barnsley right-back James Bree despite rumoured competition from Manchester City for his signature.

Bree has caught the eye in an impressive Barnsley outfit this season and his performances reportedly had even put him on the radar of City this month, although Villa have ultimately succeeded in their pursuit.

The 19-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-and-a-half-year deal keeping him at Villa until 2021 after they reportedly agreed a deal in the region of £4m with their Championship rivals.

“I’m delighted to have joined Aston Villa,” Bree told the club’s official website. ‘I’ve been at Barnsley since I was young and it’s helped me develop. I will always be grateful.

“I’m joining a massive club and hopefully I can bring something to this team. Steve Bruce was a big factor in my decision, when I met him I knew it was the right move for me.

“The facilities are great and it’ll be nice to get going, get started and see what I can do this season for the team.”

Bree isn’t the only Barnsley player that could join Villa this month with Bruce’s side reportedly on the verge of landing Championship star Conor Hourihane from Paul Heckingbottom’s side.

Of the 41 teenagers to have featured in the Championship this season, only Tammy Abraham (2285) has featured in more minutes of action than Bree (1595).

For more stats on James Bree, click here to visit his WhoScored player page