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Aston Villa complete signing of Morgan Sanson

Villa have completed the signing of midfielder Morgan Sanson from Marseille for an initial fee of £14million.

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The 26-year-old has agreed a four-year deal at Villa Park and becomes the club’s first signing of the January transfer window.

Sanson had a medical in Paris on Monday, after the clubs agreed a fee which could eventually rise to £15.5m with add-ons.

The former France under-21 international then travelled to the Midlands on Tuesday to formally complete the move, following the receipt of his visa.

Sanson will not feature for Villa when they visit Burnley on Wednesday night but could be involved in Saturday’s trip to Southampton.

Villa boss Dean Smith said: “Morgan has performed consistently at the highest level in French football for a number of seasons as well as in this season’s Champions League.

He is a player with the quality and experience to play in any midfield position.

“He will add real competition for starting places and gives us more squad depth which is vital to competing successfully in the Premier League.”

Sanson, who began his career with Montpellier before joining Marseille in 2017, said: “I’m really happy to be here. I’m very proud to join the Aston Villa Family, and in the future I hope we can do great things together.

“It’s a mythical club, a big club in England. When Aston Villa called me, I didn’t have to think about it for a long time – it was the best opportunity for me and my career.

“I spoke with the coach and he is a great coach who is appreciated by the fans. He makes good football and the team play well, and I like the players who play for this team,” he said.

“I’m very excited to play with my new teammates. I have watched the team very intensely since we talked with the club.

“I love the team; I love the spirit – I’m a warrior and I like it when all the players run for the team and run for the club. I appreciate watching Villa because it’s good football.

“I hope the best for the club. I think we have a very good team.”