Villa announce Gueye signing with Delph departure imminent

The wait is finally over and Aston Villa have officially (finally) signed Idrissa Gueye from Lille. The 25-year-old Senegalese midfielder was connected with Villa nine days ago when Sky reported that Tim Sherwood had signed him. We had no indication that this was untrue, but we also never got confirmation. Then came the rumours that it was all being held up because of a work permit.

But now none of that matters as Gueye is with Villa. He joins on an "undisclosed fee" according to the club and will be here on a four-year deal. While the club won't reveal the fee, all of the early reports said something around £9 million, so let's go with that.

And the news comes in the middle of a hectic day for the club. Shay Given has left and Fabian Delph appears to be as good as gone, too. It's the move of the latter that makes the announcement of Gueye such a relief. He may not be quite as good as Delph has been lately, but Gueye is an exceptionally talented midfielder and he could easily become a vital figure in the Villa midfield.

What do you think? Happy to see Gueye aboard? Let us know!