Transfer news: Aston Villa set to complete Yacouba Sylla signing

Yacouba Sylla: The midfield enforcer is set to complete move to Aston Villa

Aston Villa are set to complete a deal to sign midfield enforcer Yacouba Sylla from Ligue Two outfit Clermont Foot.

The former France Under-21 international arrived at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground on Thursday morning and successfully passed his medical ahead of his proposed £2m move.

Manager Paul Lambert sees the combative player as the perfect signing to bolster his midfield and provide protection to his fragile backline.

The Villa boss, who spent £23m on new signings last summer, only has limited funds available in this window, but is working alongside chief executive Paul Faulkner to make sure the deal goes through before the 11pm deadline.

A statement on the club's official website said: "The 22-year-old midfield player has passed a medical and only the formalities remain, with both clubs due to finalise paperwork before Sylla's registration is lodged with the Premier League and the transfer receives international clearance.

"He will train tomorrow (Friday) at Bodymoor Heath with his new team-mates and will be eligible to play against Everton on Saturday at Goodison Park."

The club are currently sitting in the Premier League relegation zone after suffering a fourth successive home defeat to Newcastle on Tuesday.