Aaron Tshibola has officially signed for Aston Villa from Reading. The 21 year-old midfielder has signed on a four-year deal for a reported £5.5 million.
Breaking news: We are delighted to confirm the signing of @AaronTshibola on a four year deal. #AVFC #WelcomeAaron pic.twitter.com/vhepMCBhhs
— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) 10 de julio de 2016
He's the third signing Villa have made so far, after central defender Tommy Elphick, and goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini, so Roberto Di Matteo has clearly identified the need for a strong spine in the team.
It's a bold move for a player who has only made 16 first-team appearances for Reading, but the Royals' manager Jaap Stam was apparently keen to keep the 6ft 2 youngster and Villa were not the only team in the chase.
It seem likely Steve Clarke was the man who lobbied for Villa to make the move as he promoted Tshibola to the Reading first-team in his spell at the club.