Villa win race for Watford prospect

Aston Villa have beaten off competition from several Barclays Premier League rivals to sign Watford starlet Harry Forrester.

The 15-year-old was understood to have also attracted the interest of Tottenham and Manchester United but has agreed to move to Villa in a three-year deal.

Midfielder Forrester attracted Villa’s attention while playing for England Under-16s last season.

The club’s academy director Bryan Jones confirmed: “We heard last week he had turned Watford down, were given permission to speak to him and he has agreed a deal with Villa.

“As always at this age, there is a long way to go with a player but we believe he has a great talent.”