Aston Villa complete signing of Ezri Konsa from Brentford

The defender becomes the latest player to join the club as they gear up for their Premier League campaign.

The 21-year-old joins on an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £12m, and worked with Dean Smith and assistant Richard O'Kelly previously at Griffin Park.

Konsa links up with Villa in time for their pre-season trip to the United States.

Dean Smith believes that the defender fits in with the type of player Villa are keen to bring in this summer as they look to do battle in the Premier League for the first time since 2016.

“Ezri fits the profile of the type of player we were searching for." he said.

“It helps that Richard O’Kelly and I have worked with him before. He’s a high-potential player who I believe can step up to the Premier League and I’m really looking forward to working with him again.”

Konsa featured 47 times for the Bees since moving to the club from Charlton.

He joins Villa following their £20m capture of fan favourite Tyrone Mings. The club also bolstered defensively by signing full-back Matt Targett and former loanee Kortney Hause earlier this summer.

“I am over the moon. To join such a historic, massive club like Aston Villa is great. I can’t wait to meet the lads now and get started." Konsa said.

"To be honest, I am speechless right now. It’s a dream come true. As a little kid, I always used to dream about playing in the Premier League.

“For it to come true now is a fantastic feeling for me and my family.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of facing the top players in the world. I’m looking forward to working with Dean and Richard again.

“I enjoyed it with them at Brentford. We had a really good relationship there.

“For me to be here and working with those guys is a good feeling. I am raring to go now.”