Swindon Town have confirmed the permanent signing of Aston Villa youngster Dylan Mitchell as their latest summer transfer.

Mitchell arrives having spent the last five years in the Premier League club's academy, progressing up from the under-13s to the under-18s.

The 18-year-old also spent last season on loan at Alvechurch, the side that Jacob Wakeling came from, winning the club's Manager's Player of the Season during his loan spell as the team went on to win the Worcestershire Senior Cup.

Head of Football Jamie Russell said: "We are delighted that Dylan has joined us at Swindon Town following stiff competition from other teams in the league. 

"He has had an exceptional footballing education with Aston Villa and has already started to achieve success within men's first-team football, this is shown by an outstanding loan period with Alvechurch and we feel after a spell with the club on trial, we think he has a bright future in the game and someone we can work with develop both as a person and as a player.

"The football staff are looking forward to working with Dylan and supporting him with the next part of his footballing journey and we look forward to seeing him develop and become a part of Town's footballing future going forward."

Mitchell has been on trial with Town to start pre-season after he caught the eye during his loan spell with Alvechurch and the club have moved to make that a permanent deal following his release from Villa at the end of last season.

The midfielder has been deployed as part of a back three for 45 minutes against both Swindon Supermarine and Hungerford Town, impressing with his ability on the ball and willingness to drive forward in possession.

Swindon had three outfield trialists in that Hungerford game, Mitchell included, and speaking about how those players had performed so far, assistant head coach Marcus Bignot said: "Yes [the trialists have been impressing us], that is why they are in the building and that is why they have been playing because we have seen something in them.

"They deserve to come out and showcase their ability, which they are trying their level best to do.

"It is an opportunity, you can see as many players in training as you like, but ultimately they are going to be judged in matches, so it has been pleasing to see them in a game situation."