BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND (TICKER) — Aston Villa have signed promising American teenager Eric Lichaj.

The six-foot tall defender from Illinois was formerly at the University of North Carolina and will link up with Villa’s Academy at their new Bodymoor Heath training complex.

Lichaj, 18, attracted the attention of Villa with some impressive performances for the United States Under-20 team. He had previously represented his country at under-17 level.

Villa, who are owned by Cleveland Browns owner Randy Lerner, have just returned from a two-match tour of Canada and North America as part of their preparations for the new season.