Aston Villa have signed young Auckland City striker Lance Heslop.
The 16-yr-old forward secured place in VillaÂ’s academy after impressing boss Martin OÂ’Neill in a week-long trail.
Speaking to New Zealand website Stuff, South African-born Heslop revealed he did not even know he was being scouted by the Premier League club, but is now looking to break into the first team.
"A scout was at the last game of our trip against Milton Keynes and I got two goals before half time when I found out he was there,
"They asked me if IÂ’d like to come down for a trial so I stayed an extra week and they said they wanted me.
"If theyÂ’re impressed with me theyÂ’ll put me in the first team," he added.
"I want to make it to the top level, but itÂ’s not just about the money. ItÂ’s about the love of the game."