Aston Villa confirm signing of Marvelous Nakamba

The 24-year-old Zimbabwe international has joined from Club Brugge for a fee of around £11million.

He becomes the club’s 12th signing of the transfer window and their second of the day, following the £8million capture of goalkeeper Tom Heaton from Burnley.

Nakamba, who represented his country at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, is understood to have signed a five-year deal at Villa Park.

Boss Dean Smith said: “Marvelous fits the criteria of the type of player we were looking for.

“He’s very mobile, he’s very good in possession and he will fit in with our style of play.”

Nakamba is Villa’s second signing from Club Brugge of the transfer window, following the arrival of Brazilian striker Wesley for a club record £22million fee.

He had been on the club’s radar for most of the summer, though negotiations with the Belgian club proved somewhat protracted.

Villa saw an initial bid of around £9million rejected last month, with Nakamba then refusing to train with Brugge as he looked to push through a move.

“For me to be here, I feel fantastic. I feel happy,” said Nakamba. “I am looking forward to playing against the best players in the world the Premier League. It is a dream.

“Wesley told me many good things. He was very positive about the club.”