New Aston Villa recruit reveals how chat with club's former player convinced him to sign

The Sweden international defender became the club’s first deadline day signing after agreeing a two-year contract.

Lindelof, 31, was a free agent after leaving Manchester United following eight years at Old Trafford at the end of last season.

And he explained how, after Villa made their approach, he turned to international team-mate Olsen for advice.

The latter left Villa at the end of last season after three-and-a-half years with the club.

Lindelof said: “I called him (Olsen) straight away, and he only had good things to say about the club, and everyone working around the club as well.

“Obviously, that gave me a very good feeling as well, and just positive things that made everything easier.”

Lindelof, who made more than 280 appearances and won both the League Cup and FA Cup with United, has been signed to bring experienced cover and competition to Villa’s central defence.

Strengthening at the back was high on boss Unai Emery’s agenda after former loanee Axel Disasi returned to parent club Chelsea at the end of last season.

But the financial restrictions under which Villa have been forced to operate all summer meant they made their move late.

Lindelof’s ability to play across the backline was thought to be of particular appeal though his primary objective is to provide competition for Ezri Konsa on the right-side of central defence.

“I would say central defender is my position these days,” said Lindelof. “I am quite versatile in that I can play in different positions.

“I was a midfielder earlier in my career before making the switch to defence quite late.

“It’s a good thing, I think. Wherever the manager wants me to play I think I can adapt quite quickly and help the team.”

Lindelof is joining a Villa team which has experienced a disappointing start to the season, taking just one point from the opening three Premier League matches and so far failing to score a goal.

But after speaking to Emery he is excited by the quality of the squad and the challenge ahead.

He said: “We had a good talk a couple of days ago, and we just talked about the football and how he sees me as a player and what I can bring to the team.

“That as well was one of the things that made me want to come here, after that phone call. We had a good talk, and (I am) really looking forward to working under him.

“Playing at Villa Park, the fans, it’s always a great, great atmosphere. For me, to be able to go out there and have them behind me this time is going to be amazing, so I’m really looking forward to that.

“The team, very, very good with the ball, very good structure. I think everyone knows exactly what to do on the pitch, and I think that’s what the manager demands from the players as well.

“The standards are very, very high, and I can’t wait to try and bring that standard up a little bit as well.

“It’s difficult to say exactly (on targets). I just want to go out there and help the team, to try and win as many matches as possible. I want to win and feel we have a great squad, which can do good things.”