Wednesday 14 January 2015 07:49, UK
Aston Villa have completed the signing of Spain U21 midfielder Carles Gil from Valencia for a reported fee in the region of £3.2m.
Gil, 22, who can play on either flank or behind the strikers, has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Villa Park.
The move had hit a late snag over agents' fees on Tuesday but Villa confirmed their first January capture by late afternoon.
Gil is a product of the youth system at Valencia, his home city, and made his senior debut for their B team in 2009 as a 17-year-old.
He was loaned to Valencian neighbours Elche for two seasons, helping them secure promotion to La Liga in 2012/13, and then helping the club stay in Spain's top-flight alongside his new Villa team-mate Carlos Sanchez the following term.
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
He played 11 times for Los Che this season, scoring once.
"We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side," said manager Lambert.
"He's only 22 years of age 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."
Gil also expressed his excitement at joining Villa and revealed he was determined to make his mark in the Premier League.
"Once I knew that this club was interested in me I wanted to join," he said. "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 team-mates.
"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."
