Villa break transfer record for Ashley Young

Aston Villa have signed the Watford winger Ashley Young in a deal that could reach a club record £9.65 million.

The 21-year-old completed his move on 23 January, for an initial fee of £8 million rising with add-ons. He is Martin O'Neill's biggest signing since he took over as manager last summer.

A rising star

Young came through the youth system at Watford and has been one of the brightest young players in the Premiership this season, despite playing for a side at the bottom of the table. Quick, skilful and able to play on either wing or up front, he helped Watford win promotion last season through the play-offs.

Several clubs were reported to be interested, and Watford had turned down earlier offers. Villa's persistence paid off, and O'Neill will hope Young can add pace and creativity to a side that has struggled for goals in recent weeks.

Young has also been tipped as a future England player, and his move to a bigger club is likely to raise his profile further.

Carew arrives as Baros leaves

Young is not the only new face at Villa Park this month. The Norwegian striker John Carew has joined from the French champions Lyon, with Milan Baros going the other way. The tall forward has played in Spain, Italy and Turkey, and O'Neill believes his strength and aerial power will suit the English game.

Baros scored some important goals for Villa, including two in the derby win over Birmingham City last April, but never quite established himself at Villa Park after joining from Liverpool.

The Scotland winger Shaun Maloney has also arrived, following O'Neill from his old club Celtic, as the manager continues to reshape the squad he inherited.

Lerner backs his manager

The signings are the clearest sign yet that the club's new owner, Randy Lerner, is willing to back O'Neill in the transfer market. Lerner completed his takeover in September, ending Doug Ellis's long reign as chairman, and fans had been waiting to see whether he would provide serious money for new players.

Villa made an excellent start to the season, going unbeaten in their first nine league games, but a run of poor results since then has seen them slip down the table. O'Neill has made it clear that he needs more attacking options to push for a place in Europe.

What the fans think

Supporters have welcomed the signings as a statement of intent. After years of frustration with the club's lack of ambition, many feel that Lerner and O'Neill are finally building a team that can challenge the top clubs.

Young's fee beats the previous club record, and he will be under pressure to justify it. But at 21 he has plenty of time to develop, and O'Neill has a strong record of getting the best out of young players.

Young could make his debut in the coming days, and Villa fans will be eager to see what their new signing can do.