Villa sign Colombian ‘Rock’

Aston Villa have announced the signing of Colombia defensive midfielder Carlos Sanchez from Elche.

Sanchez has joined, subject to international clearance, for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal.

The 28-year-old, nicknamed ‘The Rock’, played for his country at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.

Villa boss Paul Lambert said: “Carlos is a very experienced professional who played a prominent role in a Colombian team which captured everyone’s imagination at this summer’s World Cup in Brazil. He’s a great coup for Villa.

“He does the simple things really well and he’s excellent at spotting the danger, dealing with it and keeping it simple.

“His physical strength, too, is something we will benefit from in the middle of the pitch.”