Aston Villa sign Spanish midfielder Carles Gil

Can Gil solve Villa’s goal-scoring woes?

London, Jan 14 (IANS): Spanish attacking midfielder Carles Gil has joined Aston Villa from Valencia on a four-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League club announced.

The 22-year-old, who is a Spain Under-21 international, can play on either flank or behind a striker and has been signed to bolster a Villa attack that has mustered only 11 goals in 21 league games this season.

"We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side," said Villa manager Paul Lambert on the club's official website Tuesday.

"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 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."