Aston Villa confirmed the signing of defender Kerr Smith from Dundee United on Friday.

As to be expected, a number of Villa fans were quick to react to the news on social media.

The club have already bolstered their senior ranks this month with the signings of Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne and have now added to their academy with the acquisition of Smith, subject to international clearance.

The 17-year-old, who has already made 12 senior appearances for Dundee United and has "all the potential in the world" according to his ex-Terrors boss Tam Courts, will seemingly slot straight into his new club’s under-23 side, with Villa announcing the transfer as an academy one.

The length of the teenager’s contract at Bodymoor Heath remains to be seen, with an initial fee thought to be £864,000, but you’d expect that he’ll slot into centre-back under Mark Harrison alongside summer signing Josh Feeney.

Villa fans react

Here is what these Villa supporters had to say in reply to Dundee United’s Twitter confirmation of the transfer, with many Villans happy and one labelling it as a ‘massive’ coup.

Another exciting acquisition to the #avfc Academy. Another one for the future!

Credit: @gnethercottpga

“Massive - and I do mean massive potential.”

Credit: @VillaViews_

“Another one for the future”

Credit: @_JackAvfc

Absolute unit incoming. Highly thought of, I know Utd and Liverpool been watching him for a while. He looks such a big lad already for 17, two good feet as well, loves to ping it cross-field from what I've seen. Gary Mac and @jmcginn7 here with him too should help him settle

Credit: @MattyD54244799

“Delighted to get more young talent in at Villa but no Scottish team be able to hold onto the best young players because of money and that's the fact and why the Scottish league will always struggle ...even when Prem League don't take the best talent, Celtic or Rangers will”

Credit: @tempovilla2006

“This is a great investment!!!”

Credit: @TheChaoticAdv

In other news: 'Oh my' - Many Villa fans react as defensive midfielder chase now 'hotting up'