Jose Angel Crespo to Aston Villa: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Aston Villa have reached a deal with Spanish Segunda Division outfit Cordoba to sign defender Jose Angel Crespo.

The 28-year-old's impending departure from Cordoba to Villa was reported by the Spanish club (in Spanish) on Monday, and Villa ultimately announced the signing on Tuesday. 

Manager Tim Sherwood praised the defender in the announcement:

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"Jose is a player who has been on our radar for some time and we're really pleased to secure his signature.

"He is an experienced player who has played in La Liga and Serie A, two of the strongest leagues in Europe, and from speaking to him I know he can't wait to play for Aston Villa."

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Crespo was part of the Cordoba side that finished dead last in La Liga in 2014-15, thus seeing them relegated to the Spanish second tier.

He played mainly as a centre-back—although he can also turn out as a full-back—but WhoScored.com's Martin Laurence is unconvinced he will be a starter at Villa:

A product of the Sevilla youth system, Spaniard Crespo has played for Racing Santander, Padova, Bologna and Verona during his career.

Villa boss Tim Sherwood is currently in the process of strengthening his squad as he looks to avoid another relegation scrap in the upcoming Premier League season, and Crespo should provide decent cover across the back four.