Villa complete signing of Spanish midfielder Gil

The midfielder, who can play on either flank or behind the strikers, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Villa Park.

The deal had hit a late snag over agents' fees yesterday but Villa have confirmed their first January capture.

The 22-year-old midfielder said: "Once I knew that this club was interested in me I wanted to join. I am really looking forward to playing here and showing the fans what I can do. I can play on either side or in the middle of midfield and I like playing as part of the team, making things happen for my teammates.

"This is a very historic club in England, a very important club in the Premier League and I am looking forward to playing for such a great club in a league that is the top league in the world."

Gil, capped by Spain at Under-21 level, could make his debut in Saturday's visit of Liverpool and links up with Carlos Sanchez after the pair played together while Gil was on loan at Elche between 2012 and 2014.

Boss Paul Lambert has been hunting added creativity for his side who have scored just 11 times in 21 Premier League games.

Lambert said: "We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side.

"He's only 22 but he will come here and give us something I don't think we have at the moment. He can play either role, coming in off the sides or playing in behind as well. He can create chances and get those chances put away. He has a lot to offer and I know we can get the best out of him."

Meanwhile, Villa and Leicester have been charged with failing to control their players during Saturday's Premier League match.

The FA announced the charges, which relate to a late brawl sparked by Leicester midfielder Matty James and Villa's Irish defender Ciarán Clark, in a statement last night. Both clubs have until Friday to respond.

The flashpoint came in injury time of Leicester's 1-0 win when James went in hard on Jores Okore and Clark reacted angrily, sparking a melée. Both were send off and clashed again at the mouth of the tunnel as they walked off.