Aston Villa have signed attacking midfielder Finley Thorndike after he left West Brom in the summer.

Villa announced the signing on their official website and it didn’t take long for the news to filter on to social media, with a number of fans duly giving their thoughts.

Thorndike has trained with Villa during the summer and has done enough to impress academy manager Mark Harrison to award him a contract with the club. The 19-year-old has featured in four Under-23 games in both Premier League 2 and the Papa John’s Trophy.

He becomes the third player to make the move from The Hawthorns to Bodymoor Heath in recent months, following in the footsteps of Tim Iroegbunam and Finn Azaz.

Thorndike can also play on the left wing and is represented by ICM Stellar Sports, the same agency as Ezri Konsa.

Villa fans react

@academyavfc shared the news regarding Thorndike’s Villa switch on Twitter. Here is what these fans had to say in reply, with one labelling it as 'amazing news'.

Great news for @FinThorndike talented lad, has all the tools to do whatever he wants in the game. Pleased for @richthorndike as well, it’s a tough journey as a football parent, can’t wait to see him with a Villa scarf on

Credit: @rossthorpe

“Where was he before becoming a free agent guys? Loving the recruitment recently utv”

Credit: @DJRonanDevitt

“The kid's a class act on and off the pitch, hard work pays off and hopefully the success continues ”

Credit: @avfcnick

Amazing News. Well done Fin & @richthorndike

Credit: @bryanallcott

“Albion’s loss, Villa’s gain. Another talented youngster added”

Credit: @SamSamchilton9

“Happy”

Credit: @villamadfan

In other news: Gregg Evans claims Johan Lange wants Dean Smith to give £48k-p/w man a chance at Villa Park.