Villa signs on for Rams

Villa signs on for Rams

The Rams have confirmed the signing of 25-year-old Argentine striker Emanuel Villa from Mexican side UAG Tecos for a fee of £2m.

He has signed a three-and-a-half year contract but he is unavailable for the Rams FA cup third round clash against Sheffield Wednesday tomorrow as the Rams will have to wait for an international clearance.

‘I’ve seen him play and his reputation in South America is very high,’ said Rams boss Paul Jewell.

‘His attributes give me no doubt he’ll adapt to the English game quickly.’

Speaking before the deal was completed, Villa said: ‘I know I’m arriving at a team with relegation problems. I must get used to their league immediately because there is no time for mistakes.

‘It’s a dream come true. I wanted to play in Europe and now I have the opportunity and there is nowhere better than the Premier League.’

The Rams have struggled to find the back of the net this season and have sold Steve Howard to Championship side Leicester City as they look to rebuild their squad in a desperate bid to avoid relegation.

But Jewell said: ‘He’s not a replacement for Steve; he was coming in whether Steve was here or not. He’s keen to come and we’re keen to have him.”