Fiorentina have completed the signing of Jordan Veretout from Aston Villa after he decided against a permanent switch to St Etienne.

Veretout, 24, has joined the Viola for an undisclosed fee, reported to be in the region of €7 million and signed a four-year contract.

"It's a great day for me," he told the Serie A club's website. "I'm ready to give my best for Fiorentina. My position is in the centre of the midfield and I like to entertain people. I know Carlos Sanchez here and I'm delighted...

Aston Villa have signed veteran defender Chris Samba on a free transfer.

The 33-year-old left Panathinaikos in January and has impressed over the past few months while on trial at the Championship club.

Samba told Villa's website: "I have enjoyed my time with Aston Villa and I am very pleased to continue this association after signing my contract with the club.

We are delighted to announce the signing of Chris Samba... 💪👊👍

Full story 👉 https://t.co/icSOPfBHZH #WelcomeSamba #PartOfThePride #AVFC pic.twitter.com/oHWEg1uZkX

— Aston Villa FC (@AVFCOfficial) July 20, 2017

"I have played against Aston Villa many times and it's always been a club I have had the utmost respect for because of its standing in...

Aston Villa have signed Stoke midfielder Glenn Whelan in a deal that could rise to £2 million.

Whelan, 33, has put pen to paper on a two-year contract at Villa Park, bringing to an end his nine-year association with the Premier League side.

"I have enjoyed happy times at Stoke City but now is the time for a new football adventure -- and what a club to join in Aston Villa," Whelan told Villa's official club website.

"We may be in the Championship but everything about this club screams Premier...