Aston Villa have signed an 'exceptional talent' according to this executive

Dundee United's sporting director has praised one bit of business Aston Villa completed in January, and it wasn't Philippe Coutinho or Lucas Digne.

Speaking to The Courier, Dundee United's sporting director, Tony Ashgar, had this to say regarding the latest young talent to arrive at Villa. He stated: "Kerr is an exceptional talent. Before he even signed a professional contract with us, he had big clubs interested (in signing him).

“A lot of English Premier League clubs were aware of him but he wanted to start out here. We knew, ultimately, that interest would leave to him leaving.

“It’s the measure of Kerr and his family that he spent his formative years here. Kerr only played a few games for us but has earned a great move.”

Ashgar also went on to say: “(Smith’s sale) is one that will benefit him but also Dundee United. Financially, it works for us.

“But it also provides a shining example of how we will help choose the right pathway for any aspiring Dundee United player.

“Maybe those talented players who have their pick of big clubs from a young age will look our way because of how it worked out for Kerr.”

Smith has so far made three appearances for the Villa under 23 side, with two of these coming as a substitute. The 17-year old prospect joins an impressive line of promising defenders in the Villa academy, including Joshua Feeney, Lamare Bogarde and Sil Swinkels, who have all impressed in this years EFL Trophy against senior opposition.

Upon the arrival of Smith in January, academy manager Mark Harrison stated this regarding the player: "We are delighted that Kerr has joined us, he is a player we have tracked and monitored for a long time.

“He has lots of potential but has already gained some fantastic