Football
ESPN staff 9y

Aston Villa sign Spanish under-21 international Carles Gil from Valencia

Aston Villa have signed Spanish under-21 international Carles Gil from Valencia for a reported fee of just over three million pounds.

Gil, 22, came through the youth ranks at the La Liga club and made his senior debut for Valencia B team in 2009 as a 17-year-old. He has spent the last two seasons on loan at Elche.

Villa manager Paul Lambert said he was happy with the signing of the attacking midfielder -- who signed a four-and-a-half year deal until 2019 subject to international clearance -- as he had been looking for creativity.

"We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side," Lambert told the official website. "He's only 22 years of age but he will come here and give us something I don't think we have at the moment. He can play either role, coming in off the sides or playing in behind as well.

"He can create chances and get those chances put away. He has a lot to offer and I know we can get the best out of him."

Gil also expressed his excitement at joining and claimed he wanted to impress in the best league in the world.

"Once I knew that this club was interested in me I wanted to join," he said. "I am really looking forward to playing here and showing the fans what I can do.

"I can play on either side or in the middle of midfield and I like playing as part of the team, making things happen for my teammates.

"This is a very historic club in England, a very important club in the Premier League, and I am looking forward to playing for such a great club in a league that is the top league in the world."

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