Matt Lowton signs

[Dave]

"Set to sign" until it's on the OS, but it's clearly happening.

Aston Villa have signed highly-rated defender Matthew Lowton from League One club Sheffield United for a fee of £3million.

Lowton, who can play across the back line but is most comfortable at right-back, only signed a new deal at Bramall Lane last year.

The 23-year-old has been a regular at Sheffield United for the past two seasons and his move fuels speculation that Alan Hutton could be heading for the Villa Park exit door.

New Villa boss Paul Lambert has already moved quickly to strengthen his squad at Villa Park by bringing Karim El Ahmadi to the Premier League from Feyenoord.

[Chris_Jephcott]

A replacement for Alan Hutton? Possibly the best news I've heard all day!

I've got nothing against Alan Hutton - he tried his best, and worked hard, but I just don't think he's that good really.

[pauliewalnuts]

A replacement for Alan Hutton? Possibly the best news I've heard all day!

I've got nothing against Alan Hutton - he tried his best, and worked hard, but I just don't think he's that good really.

He definitely worked hard, but I agree, he's just not good enough.

I genuinely can't believe Spurs paid £9m for him.

[TaxDodger]

Good to see we're signing a right back. Bad news for Lichaj though. I hope it's Hutton who is sold and not him.

[Chris_Jephcott]

Most importantly though, what do we know about Matt Lowton?

[PeterWithesShin]

I know next to nothing about Lowton, but welcome aboard fella.

And I agree about Hutton, i've got no dislike for him, he's just not up to standard.

[Risso]

This summer just gets better and better.  TSM potted, great new manager and coaches, no more Heskey, and now hopefully we've seen the last of Hutton, who looks about as home on the football field as George Weah's "cousin".

[DrGonzo]

"An attacking wing back..."  3-5-2???  Mmmmmm Brian Little revisited.

[Toronto Villa]

Very good news indeed. I want us to sign players from the lower divisions where it makes sense and by a manager that has experience in unearthing talent. Spurs signed both Walker and Naughton (coincidentally both frrom Sheff Utd) and people always bang on about Moyes finding players on a restricted budget. This will provide good competition. I'd like to see an end to the Hutton experiment, I've softened my stance on Warnock a little because he might have some "versatility" value. Not sure about Stevens, though it is too early to say. I like Lichaj and I think he'll be fine.

[Lambert and Payne]

Don't know a lot, but welcome aboard. Heres hoping to many succesful years at AVFC

[Chipsticks]

Good, young, English, hard working Right Back. But I'm not convinced he's that much better than Hutton. Time will tell though, and at his age he can only get better!

[curiousorange]

Hutton is one of the worst players I've ever seen don the claret and blue. If he gets sold this summer I'll build several churches in honour of the decision.

[Toronto Villa]

Good, young, English, hard working Right Back. But I'm not convinced he's that much better than Hutton. Time will tell though, and at his age he can only get better!

Chips, my dog is better than Hutton. In all likelihood you and I could a better job, and do as good a job having nailed ten pints. You'd think Hutton was completely wankered when he plays given that he's tackling thin air half the time.

[Irish villain]

Welcome aboard! As I said on the transfer thread, it's nice that we aren't breaking the bank for what look like decent players. If it doesn't work out we won't be burned like we were in the past.

Lambert seems to have an eye for players who are more interested in succeeding than in picking up hefty pay packages.

[Toronto Villa]

Not on the OS yet, but Kendrick has confirmed it in the Mail

Lowton joins