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Aston Villa complete signing of Lorient striker Jordan Ayew

Aston Villa have announced the signing of striker Jordan Ayew from French club Lorient.

Ayew, 23, moves to Villa Park for an undisclosed fee and has put pen to paper on a five-year contract.

He is the third player to move to the Villans from French football this summer, following in the footsteps of Jordan Amavi and Idrissa Gueye.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood told the club's website: "I'm really pleased to bring Jordan to the football club.

"He is a fantastic young player who is perfectly suited to the Premier League."

Ayew said it took him just 10 seconds to decide to move to Aston Villa.

"When I spoke to the coach I knew this was the place for me," he told the club's website. "I didn't think twice. I knew he was the right coach for me. He has so much enthusiasm and determination for the game of football.

"It took 10 seconds to work out he was the right coach for me and Aston Villa was the right team for me. I am the happiest man in the world. It's one of my greatest days in football.

"My dream was to play for a big team in England -- and Aston Villa is undoubtedly one of the greats in English football."

Ayew scored 13 goals in 33 games for Ligue 1 side Lorient last season and is now looking to make an impact in the Premier League.

"It's the biggest in the world," he said. "That's why when the opportunity came, I didn't have to think twice.

"I know all about the Premier League because I have a big passion for football. I watched all the games when I was in France. I know all about the team and I know all the players by name."

Last week, Ghana forward Ayew's agent told ESPN FC an offer had been made after Villa completed the sale of Christian Benteke to Liverpool.

Mark McKay said: "Tim Sherwood is an admirer of Jordan and feels he could be a big success in the Premier League."

Ayew joins older brother Andre in the Premier League after the latter signed for Swansea City on a free transfer from Marseille earlier this summer.