Barnsley defender James Bree joins Aston Villa for "substantial fee"

Barnsley have confirmed the sale of defender James Bree to Championship rivals Aston Villa for a "substantial fee".
James Bree in action against Leeds UnitedJames Bree in action against Leeds United
James Bree in action against Leeds United

The 19-year-old has signed a four-and-a-half year contract at Villa Park.

The deal is likely to be part of a double swoop by Villa boss Steve Bruce with Barnsley captain Conor Hourihane also close to signing terms at the Midlands outfit.

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Villa are currently five places and five points below eighth-placed Barnsley in their first season in the Championship.

Bree emerged from the Barnsley academy and made his debut for the Reds as a 16-year-old against Queens Park Rangers in 2014.

He made 61 first team appearances at Oakwell and caught the attention of a number of Premier League clubs with a number of impressive performance.

Bree said: "I’ve been at Barnsley since I was young and it’s helped me develop. I will always be grateful."

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Barnsley boss Paul Heckingbottom is understood to be keen to sign Leicester City’s Matty James as a temporary replacement in his squad.

James is available for loan following a year out after rupturing his cruciate knee ligament.