Aston Villa have completed the signing of United States Under-20 international Eric Lichaj.
The 18-year-old former Chicago Magic defender will go straight into Villa's Academy squad.

Lichaj is Villa's first American signing since the club were bought by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner.

The 6ft defender, formerly at the University of North Carolina, will not be able to play until September as he is recovering from a broken foot.

"He signed a two year deal with options," said Lichaj's agent Steve Kelly.

"He was injured before he signed, but they saw his talent before that."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/a/aston_villa/6925578.stm

I read that the other day also, Hoffy. Unfortunately I can't say much. Chicago Magic are not an MLS franchise, they are a non-pro youth franchise. They are a nationally competitive youth club, and the kid's performace there must've got him on the U-20 then at the youth world cup he drew interest. But that's flying under the radar a bit even by American standards. He's not one of the prodigies that are brought to Bradenton, FL as a youth to play in the national system. He was playing in Chicago for a local youth team

He's not expected to play this year in the first team, I don't think.

Alright kaygay, cheers for the info son. I'll keep me eye on yer countryman and lets hope that he is a credit to you fat yanks, instead of just some ****e player who we've bought because of some kind of connection that ol' Randy Lerner has to the deal.

He'll probably be better than Marlon cunting Harewood anyway...

He'll probably be better than Marlon cunting Harewood anyway...

That ain't hard :lol1:

Marlon "The hills have eyes" harewood