Steve Bruce reveals clubs wanted this Aston Villa star: Man Utd and Arsenal linked

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Steve Bruce reveals competition for James Bree signing

Bree joined Aston Villa on a four-and-a-half year deal in January from Championship rivals Barnsley, costing a reported £3million.

Premier League big guns Manchester United and Arsenal were said to be interested in the young full-back, who rose through the ranks at Barnsley.

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James Bree made his Aston Villa debut against Nottingham Forest

Villa manager Bruce has high hopes for the 19-year-old and was delighted to win the race for Bree's signature last month.

Bree made his Villa debut against Nottingham Forest last weekend, impressing Bruce in the 2-1 defeat away at the City Ground.

“James is only 19 but he’s definitely got a big, bright future ahead of him," said Bruce, whose side sit 14th in the Championship table.

Championship Done Deals: Every transfer in during January 2017
Wed, February 1, 2017

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“We were delighted to sign him and we beat off a lot of competition.

“He looked a very good player in the game against Forest and, in my opinion, shouldn’t have been on the losing side on his debut. But unfortunately he was.

“I have no complaints about his performance. I thought he was excellent.”

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