Sky Bet League Two side Cambridge United have completed the signing of Aston Villa striker Harvey Knibbs on a two-year deal, the club have now confirmed.

The 20-year-old attacker came through the ranks at Villa Park, but was released by the West Midlands club upon the expiry of his contract, after spending seven years with them.

But it hasn't taken long for the youngster to find a new club, with League Two side Cambridge securing his signature on a two-year deal.

United manager Colin Calderwood is no stranger to Aston Villa having been Steve Bruce's assistant manager between 2016 and 2018.

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He completed the signings of Jake Doyle-Hayes and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy last season, with the latter enduring a hugely impressive loan spell at the Abbey Stadium.

The U's also used Villa's training ground Bodymoor Heath before an away game last season, so it's clear to see the connection between the two clubs.

Dean Smith will now be looking to reshape his squad ahead of the new campaign, after his side defeated Derby County in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final to win promotion to the Premier League.

The Verdict

This looks to be a good signing for Cambridge, as they really needed to freshen up their attacking line with more younger players.

It's a good move for Knibbs - he was never going to make an impact at Villa Park over the next few years, especially with Hepburn-Murphy and Keinan Davis much higher up in the pecking order for young strikers.

I expect to see plenty more of these type of departures between now and the end of the summer.