Aston Villa have announced the signing of French midfielder Jordan Veretout for an undisclosed fee.
The 22-year-old joins on a five-year deal from Ligue 1 club Nantes, having been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the summer, but Villa have fought off the competition to land the former youth international.
He is the seventh player to arrive at Villa Park this summer, as Tim Sherwood looks to refresh a squad that finished just three points above the drop zone last season, and the fourth to arrive from the French first division.
Veretout was a regular in Les Canaris side last season, scoring seven times in 39 appearances, and Sherwood expects his new signing to be a big hit in the Premier League.
"I'm really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us," Sherwood told the club's website.
"He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age.
"He has played over 140 games in Ligue 1 and is a really exciting young player.
"I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line."
The Villa boss is expected to continue his summer spending in the coming days, with strikers Rudy Gestede and Emmanuel Adebayor reportedly on his shopping list.
Source: PA
