Aston Villa have confirmed the surprise signing of Danny Ings from Southampton.

The England international recently entered the final year of his contract with the Saints, and he was touted to join a big club.

Chelsea were linked with him last month. It was claimed that he would be the back-up option if they fail to sign Romelu Lukaku.

Villa have now made a shock transfer announcement on Ings. The move has definitely come out of the blue with no speculation.

The striker has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal with the West Midlands outfit. The Saints have been paid around £30m.

Ings' ex-club Liverpool have indirectly benefited from the transfer. They will get 20 per cent of the profit (£2m) from the summer deal.

Villa have made outstanding business this summer, and have previously signed Emiliano Buendia, Ashley Young and Leon Bailey.

Their spending spree could continue as they are set to receive a record fee of around £100m for Jack Grealish's sale to Manchester City.