Derby sign Argentinean striker
Saturday, 05 Jan 2008 10:01
Jewell believes Villa will be a great success in England
Derby County have announced the signing of Argentinean striker Emanuel Villa from Mexican side UAG Tecos subject to a work permit.
The club confirmed they had paid £2 million for the striker's services and he has put pen to paper on a three-and-a-half year deal.
Derby manager Paul Jewell has moved quickly to replace striker Steve Howard who left to join Leicester City for around £1 million when the transfer window opened.
Villa played for a number of sides in Argentina before moving to the Mexican league with Atlas in 2006, scoring 14 goals in 25 games. That performance earned him a move to Tecos where he has played since January 2007.
Manager Paul Jewell believes Villa has the necessary attributes to be a success in English football and is confident the fans at Pride Park will embrace the 25-year-old.
He said: "I've seen him play myself and his reputation in South America is very high. He's quick, good in the air, strong, and physical and has a good record in front of goal.
"I think he's a player the Derby fans will quickly take to. His attributes give me no doubt that he'll adapt to the English game quickly."
Although Villa is yet to make his international debut the Rams were able to secure his signature because he holds an EU passport.
However the Foreign Office are yet to grant Villa a work permit meaning he will have to wait a while to make his Rams debut.
Unfortunately for Derby the delay means the Argentinean will be unable to compete in today's FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday.