Veteran defender Chris Samba agrees deal at Aston Villa
Villa have made their third signing in the space of two days after striking a deal with veteran defender Chris Samba.
The 33-year-old has been training with the club since February and has signed a one-year contract after impressing boss Steve Bruce with his work ethic.
Samba, who played in the Premier League with Blackburn and QPR, had been a free agent since leaving Panathinaikos in January.
He began training with Villa in order to build his fitness and then returned at the start of pre-season, taking part in the club’s training camp in Portugal before featuring in friendly games at Telford and Walsall.
Samba said: “I have enjoyed my time with Aston Villa and I am very pleased to continue this association after signing my contract with the club.
“I have played against Aston Villa many times and it’s always been a club I have had the utmost respect for because of its standing in the game.
“I can’t wait to put the shirt on this coming season.
"It’s a big season as everyone knows and if I can play my part in making it successful, I will be very happy.”
Samba’s arrival follows that of wideman Ahmed Elmohamady and midfielder Glenn Whelan from Hull and Stoke respectively.
The trio of new boys will travel with the rest of Villa's squad to Germany on Friday ahead of the club's participation in the Cup of Traditions tournament at MSV Duisburg on Sunday.
Midfielder Jordan Veretout is meanwhile closing in on a move to Fiorentina after a dramatic U-turn.
The 24-year-old had been all set to join St Etienne after Villa agreed a fee with the French club but failed to show for a scheduled medical on Wednesday and is instead heading to Italy.
