Aston Villa complete deadline day loan swoop for Bournemouth's Lewis Grabban

The 30-year-old joined on loan until the end of the season, the deal being rubber-stamped in the final hours of the transfer window.

Despite the improved form of Scott Hogan and easing injury problems, boss Steve Bruce remained keen to increase his options up front and Grabban will provide competition and cover for the Championship run-in.

A vastly experienced performer in the second tier, Grabban netted 12 goals in just 19 appearances for struggling Sunderland earlier this season. He was also part of the Reading team which came within a whisker of winning promotion last year through the play-offs.

Grabban had returned to the Cherries earlier in January after his spell with the Mackems came to an end. But after failing to secure a permanent move away from the Premier League club, Villa pounced when it became clear he would be available for loan.

The club announced the signing with a Twitter video involving chief executive Keith Wyness.

Grabban said: “It’s a pleasure to be at a club like Aston Villa.

“You only have to look at the stadium, the history and the support to know that this club deserves to be in the Premier League and hopefully I can play my part in getting this club back to where it belongs.

“It’s an unbelievable squad of players here and they’re on a great run of form as well so it’s a great time to be joining.”

He added: “I played at Villa Park when I was with Sunderland earlier on this season so I’m looking forward to getting out there in Villa colours and scoring goals.”

Bruce had lost out earlier in the month when his primary striker target, Leicester City’s Leonardo Ulloa, instead moved to Brighton.

Young defender Easah Suliman joined League Two Grimsby Town until the end of the season.