Bennett seals Villa move
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett on a four-year deal.
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey
Last Updated: 29/08/12 7:18pm
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Middlesbrough left-back Joe Bennett on a four-year deal.
Sky Sports exclusively revealed Villa's move for Bennett earlier this week, and the two clubs agreed a deal believed to be worth around £4million.
Bennett travelled for talks on Wednesday and the England Under-21 international has now finalised the move.
"Joe's a really good player, young and hungry to succeed and he's exactly the type of player we want here at the football club," said Villa boss Paul Lambert.
"There's no doubt in my mind that he will thrive in this environment and he fits in exactly with what we are trying to build here.
"His energy level is really high and he can get up and down the pitch really well, which will be important for the team and important in terms of how we want to play as a team.
"He's an exciting signing for the club and I'm really pleased we've been able to take him here."
Excited
The 22-year-old added: "I am really excited to have joined a massive club in Aston Villa and I'm eager to fight for a starting place and get in the team.
"I am very grateful to get this opportunity and I'm very grateful to the Middlesbrough chairman, Mr. Gibson, all of the Middlesbrough staff and fans and, particularly, Tony Mowbray for giving me the opportunity to prove my ability.
"I am fully focused now on my career here at Villa and I'm really eager to get started.
"My priority will be to impress the manager and gain a place in the starting XI. It will be a special moment when I pull on the claret and blue shirt for the first time.
"I'm determined to earn the respect of my team-mates and the Aston Villa supporters. I know it's going to be really exciting here in the years ahead and I really want to play my part."
