Aston Villa sign Alex Moreno from Real Betis

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has bolstered his defence with the signing of Spanish left-back Alex Moreno from Real Betis. The former Barcelona, Mallorca and Real Vallecano defender has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal and becomes the club's first major signing of the January transfer window, in a deal worth a reported 10 million euros.

Moreno is a tough tackling full-back who had previously spent the entirety of his career playing in Spain, but comes with Unai Emery's own personal recommendation. It is understood that Emery has a list of five players that he wants to sign in January, and the Moreno coup is one that he is personally delighted to have wrapped up. The former Villarreal, PSG and Arsenal manager is also expected to agree a deal for a forward from La Liga next week.

Unai Emery said of the deal:  "Alex is a good player that can help our squad. He has been one of the top left-backs in La Liga over the past few seasons and we are delighted to have him here."

It is expected that Moreno will provide cover for current first choice left defender Lucas Digne.