Aston Villa sign Sheffield United defender Matthew Lowton as Paul Lambert shores up defence Lambert has agreed a fee for the highly-rated youngster and Lowton underwent a medical at Aston Villa's Bodymoor Heath training ground yesterday. The new Villa manager had identified the right-back position as a top priority following his appointment and has moved quickly for the 23-year-old. Lambert has established an impressive reputation for recognising talent in the lower leagues, signing the likes of Elliott Bennett, Anthony Pilkington, Jonathan Howson, Bradley Johnson and Ryan Bennett last season at Norwich. Lowton, 23, has been widely regarded as one of the most promising youngsters to emerge out of United's much regarded youth academy in recent years and follows the likes of Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker into the Premier League. His recruitment will only increase speculation that Scotland international Alan Hutton, signed by Lambert's predecessor Alex McLeish, is facing an uncertain future at Villa Park.