ASTON VILLA have announced a new strategic partnership with Japanese giants Vissel Kobe.
The J-League leaders are the latest club to join the V Sports network, the company who own Villa.
Villa aim to enhance youth development by working with Vissel Kobe.
The two clubs will share knowledge to help them discover the best youngsters, which could open up pathways for Japanese players to join Villa.
Two members of Vissel Kobe Under-16s are set to start training at Villa, while club representatives will visit the Premier League outfit before the end of the month.
Villa also state the partnership will operate at first-team level and the club is excited to embark on the venture.
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A club statement read: "As part of this exciting step forward for both clubs, Villa and Vissel Kobe will work to create a bilateral development framework for players and staff which will enhance youth development, alongside the cooperative sharing of ideas, techniques and best practice.
"The partnership will look to further open up pathways for talented Japanese players to play in Europe and, ultimately, at Aston Villa.
"This synergy between the clubs will also extend to first team level, with the exchange of technical knowledge and coaching methodology together with collaboration in the areas of performance, scouting & recruitment, data analysis and overall squad management."
Portuguese side Vitoria S.C. and ZED FC of the Egyptian Premier League also act as feeder clubs to Aston Villa.
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V Sports have invested heavily into Villa since taking over with Unai Emery's side plotting European qualification once again this season.
Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Nicolo Zaniolo were amongst the summer arrivals, though the latter faces a ban if found guilty of betting on football matches.
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