Birmingham City, QPR, Sunderland and Watford transfer targets opts against move

Former Aston Villa forward Declan Firth has signed with Swiss second-division outfit FC Thun.

The 22-year-old left Villa last summer on a free transfer for Valencia. His stay in Spain has lasted just a year though after joining Thun on a three-year deal with the option of another year. 

“Declan will further enliven our offence with his unpredictability and speed," said sporting director Dominik Albrecht about the new signing.

Albrecht added: “He can also use these strengths to his advantage in 1:1 situations." 

"We are delighted to have him in our team immediately.”

Thun finished second in the Swiss Challenge League last season but missed out on promotion after losing 3-2 on aggregate to Grasshopper. 

It was reported in April that Villa’s inter-city rivals Birmingham City had been tracking Firth. QPR and Watford were also said to be admirers, as well as Sunderland, with the Hornets and Hoops making offers. 

Spanish newspaper Marca expected Firth to stay in Spain, and Getafe were trying to close a deal for him but he opted to move to Switzerland, where he will now play first-team football. During his time with Valencia, he scored once in 14 Segunda Federacion games. 

During his time at the Villa, he made 24 appearances. He was involved in 15 goals, scoring eight and assisting on seven occasions.