By Aston Villa FC

Aston Villa is delighted to confirm the signing of Declan Frith.

The 19-year-old wide attacking midfielder joins Villa’s Academy having impressed on trial over recent weeks for the Under-23s in Premier League 2.

Frith also scored a hat-trick for the Young Lions in the Birmingham Senior Cup first round last month.

Academy manager Mark Harrison said: “Declan left Chelsea at the end of August and has been on trial with us for a couple of weeks, playing in games against West Bromwich Albion, Coventry Sphinx, Stoke City and Wolves.

“Having performed well he has signed a professional contract. He is a wide attacking player who can play both sides.

“We look forward to seeing how he develops.”