Jordan Veretout to Aston Villa: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Nantes midfielder Jordan Veretout on a five year deal on Friday.

"I'm really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us," manager Tim Sherwood said, per the announcement. "He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age. He has played over 140 games in Ligue 1 and is a really exciting young player. I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line."

The Birmingham outfit have beaten other reported suitors Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to the signing of the talented Veretout as they look to rebuild for next season, per L'Equipe (h/t Samuel Stevens for the Independent). 

A versatile central midfielder, Frenchman Veretout contributed seven goals and six assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances last season, per WhoScored.com.

Football writer Martin Laurence noted just how useful he could be for Villa both in attack and defence:

At just 22 years old, he is still only in the early years of his development, and Villa fans can be very excited about his potential future improvement.

Tim Sherwood's Villa have lost two of their key players in the summer transfer window with Christian Benteke and Fabian Delph departing for Liverpool and Manchester City, respectively.

The arrival of Veretout, along with recent signing of Lille's Idrissa Gueye, should more than make up for the loss of the former skipper in the centre of midfield.

Sherwood has also plundered the French top flight to strengthen his attack, in the shape of striker Jordan Ayew, and his defence, with the addition of Jordan Amavi from Nice.

Cordoba full-back Jose Angel Crespo has also arrived at Villa Park. 

Sherwood is clearly eager to build a squad that can avoid a relegation scrap once again next season. In Veretout he looks to have picked up an exciting talent who could well be valuable to Villa for years to come.