Burnley announce capture of Aston Villa midfielder

 

Burnley have announced they have signed Aston Villa midfielder Ashley Westwood on a three-and-a-half-year deal keeping him at the club until 2020.

 

Westwood, 26, has spent the last five years at Villa but has dropped down the pecking order under Steve Bruce this season.

 

The arrivals of Conor Hourihane and Henri Lansbury this month would have further restricted first-team opportunities this season and Burnley have landed the midfielder in a deal worth a reported £5m.

 

“I’m delighted to be here,” he told the club’s official website. “It’s happened fast but I’ve been made to feel very welcome and I can’t wait to get along.  “It feels like a proper football club and homely and that’s what I like. I like to be appreciated and I think I will definitely get that here.

 

“The manager at Villa said I could speak to Burnley and for me that was perfect – a fresh start because things had got a bit stale at Villa. It’s a fresh start and I want to show people what I can really do.”

 

“I have had some great times at Villa but recently it’s not been too good. I’m back in the Premier League and I’ve got another chance  - coming here into a dressing room like this, full of British talent, and people who want to do well.

 

“I fit that bill and hopefully we can grow as a team and keep on improving.”

 

Burnley announce capture of Aston Villa midfielder

 

Burnley are expected to complete a club-record deal to sign Robbie Brady from Norwich in the remaining hours of deadline day to finalise what has been a great month for the Clarets.

 

In the last four league campaigns Westwood has attempted 1119 more sideways passes than any other Villa teammate (2856).

 

For more stats on Ashley Westwood, click here to visit his WhoScored player page