Aston Villa have announced that they have completed the signing of midfielder Yacouba Sylla from Clermont Foot.

The 22-year-old emerged as a late transfer target for the Midlands club, who have secured his services on a three-and-a-half-year contract.

"I'm very excited about the prospect of playing for Aston Villa and also to be playing in the Premier League," Sylla told the club's official website.

"The manager is building a dynamic and exciting young team here and there are players also with a lot of experience."

Reports have claimed that Villa have paid an initial £2m fee for the midfielder.