TORQUAY UNITED have won the chase for 20-year-old former Aston Villa midfielder Jamie Ward.

Ward, who was also being pursued by Stockport and Wrexham, has signed a three-year deal at Plainmoor.

"I've been after this lad for a long time. He will be a massive asset to the club," Torquay boss Ian Atkins told his club's website.

Ward was released by Villa without making a first-team appearance, scoring once on loan at Stockport last season.

TORQUAY UNITED boss Ian Atkins has made Aston Villa starlet Jamie Ward his second signing of the week following the capture of Oxford United midfielder Lee Mansell.

The 20-year-old winger has penned a three-year deal with the Gulls.

"A lot of clubs wanted me but I remember playing against Torquay United when I was on loan at Stockport and I was impressed with the standard of football," Ward told Torquay's official website.

"I believe I can do a good job for the club and that it can help my career."

The Northern Ireland Under-21 international spent the last two months of the 2005-06 campaign on loan with Stockport County.