Villains full back Bree was 'number one' target for Luton boss

Town boss Nathan Jones has labelled the permanent addition of Aston Villa James Bree as a 'great coup' for the Hatters.

The 22-year-old spent last term on loan at Kenilworth Road, featuring 42 times, although it was after lockdown where his talent really shone through, playing a starring role as Town stayed up.

He has now agreed to link up with the Hatters on a full-time basis, as Jones said: "We are delighted to add Breesy on a permanent basis.

"I really enjoyed working with him at the end of last season, and he’s nowhere near his ceiling yet.

"He’s of a great age, got great athleticism and with our track record at full-back, he was someone I was delighted to add.

“We only had one right-back on our list and we went all out to get him. It’s a great coup for the club and he will only get better.

“He’s shown a real commitment to want to come to the club permanently, and we are delighted to have him because we have real high hopes for him, firstly to establish himself in our team and then establish himself as a top Championship right-back.

“He’s a great fit with what we like to do here.

"We like to get them at a real good age, put real good work into them, give them a platform to play and then develop them into real top full-backs, real top players, and we believe that James is in that category."