Aston Villa have completed the signing of Middlesbrough defender Joe Bennett.

Bennett completed his move to Villa Park after the two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee, believed to be around the £2.5million mark.

Manager Paul Lambert admitted after their 3-0 Capital One Cup defeat of Tranmere he was hopeful of making progress with a move for Bennett - and after completing the deal he spoke of his plans for the player.

He said: "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.

"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.

"His energy level is really high and he can get up and down the pitch really well, which will be important for the team and important in terms of how we want to play as a team.

"He's an exciting signing and I'm really pleased we've been able to take him here."