Former Southampton fullback Matt Targett is delighted with his move to Aston Villa.

He is relishing linking up with manager Dean Smith as he stressed: “The gaffer is building something special here".

Targett arrived today from Southampton as he now looks to play a part in our return to the Premier League.

The 23-year-old spoke admiringly about the club – and he's clearly impressed with the direction of travel it's heading in under Smith.

He told Club TV: “Aston Villa is a club on the up, definitely.

“Dean, the gaffer, is building something special here.

“I have spoken to him and I'm really excited to join the club, work with him and help him in his plans to move this club as forward as it can go.

“The gaffer likes to play good football, exciting, attacking football and that's a really good fit for me. It's perfect for me.

“To play the style the gaffer wants to play, I'm excited about it.

“It's exciting times here. It's a massive club too. I am very impressed by the stature of the club.

“There's a massive fanbase here and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of them.

"The training ground is amazing – great facilities and obviously Villa Park speaks for itself – a tremendous, big stadium."