Premier League giants Aston Villa have signed an ‘exceptional talent’ in Scotland U19 star Kerr Smith, Dundee United’s sporting director Tony Ashgar tells The Courier.
Few would dare suggest that a Montrose-born 17-year-old was Aston Villa’s most inspired January signing.
Especially when Steven Gerrard also sealed deals for Brazil international Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne, one of the most influential attacking full-backs in European football.
But do not underestimate just how impressive a coup this really is.
Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton Leicester City, Celtic; These are just some of the clubs who wanted to sign Smith before Aston Villa completed a deal that could rise to £2 million.
“Kerr is an exceptional talent,” explains Asghar. “Before he even signed a professional contract with us, he had big clubs interested (in signing him).
“A lot of English Premier League clubs were aware of him but he wanted to start out here. We knew, ultimately, that interest would leave to him leaving.
“It’s the measure of Kerr and his family that he spent his formative years here. Kerr only played a few games for us but has earned a great move.”
Is Kerr Smith a future Aston Villa star?
Smith departed Dundee United having made ten Premiership appearances for the Tangerines.
It remains to be seen whether the versatile defender makes his top-flight bow in Aston Villa’s colours before the season’s out.
Steven Gerrard has shown plenty of faith in youth since taking over from Dean Smith, making Jacob Ramsey one of the first names on his Villa team-sheet while handing Carney Chukwuemeka plenty of opportunities off the bench.
Gerrard admitted recently that Ben Chrisene, one of the stars of last season’s FA Youth Cup triumph, could make his mark at first-team level sooner rather than later too.
“(Smith’s sale) is one that will benefit him but also Dundee United. Financially, it works for us,” Ashgar adds.
“But it also provides a shining example of how we will help choose the right pathway for any aspiring Dundee United player.
“Maybe those talented players who have their pick of big clubs from a young age will look our way because of how it worked out for Kerr.”
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