Aston Villa sign defender Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough

Joe Bennett

Aston Villa have signed England Under-21 international Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

The left-back, 22, is the fifth new face brought to Villa Park this summer by boss Paul Lambert.

"Joe's a really good player, young and hungry to succeed, and he's exactly the type of player we want here at the football club," said Lambert.

"My priority will be to impress the manager and gain a place in the starting XI," added Bennett.

The Rochdale-born player, who graduated through Middlesbrough's youth academy, started 84 games for the Teeside club and won their 2010-11 player of the year award.

He made 41 appearances in the Championship for Tony Mowbray's men last season and was named the North East Football Writers' Association's young player of the year.

Lambert, who was appointed by Villa in June, has also signed defenders Ron Vlaar and Matt Lowton, plus midfielders Karim El Ahmadi and Brett Holman.

"There's no doubt in my mind that he will thrive in this environment and he fits in exactly with what we are trying to build here," added the Scot.

Villa are bottom of the Premier League after losing both of their opening games, against West Ham and Everton.