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Tonev agrees deal with Villa

Aleksandar Tonev will join Aston Villa on a three-year deal © Getty Images

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Aston Villa have agreed a deal with Lech Poznan to sign attacking midfielder Aleksandar Tonev on a three-year deal.

Tonev, 23, passed a medical at the Midlands club's Bodymoor Heath training ground on Friday before agreeing terms, although the final paperwork still needs to be completed and the move is not expected to be rubber-stamped until next week.

The Bulgarian, who lined up alongside former Villa captain Stiliyan Petrov when making his international debut in 2011, says he cannot wait to play in the Premier League.

"I am really happy to be part of Aston Villa and I am really proud to be able to pull the shirt on," Tonev told the club's official website. "Aston Villa is a big club and the manager and club have a belief in young players and in the team ethic. Football is not about the individuals. It's a team sport and all successful teams play well together. That's what you can see at Villa, the team is playing together.

"I am part of the team now and I am hungry for success. I want to show everybody what I can really do. I have played in front of big crowds before but the atmosphere here in England is unique. The crowd is like a 12th player for the team and I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans."

Petrov, now assistant development coach at Villa Park, believes the club have acquired an exciting talent and is sure the fans will warm to Tonev from the off.

"I played alongside Aleks, so I know a little bit about what kind of a player he is. The main thing is that the manager likes him as well and the way he plays," he said. "I think Villa fans have one exciting player on their hands. I think the club has been monitoring Aleksandar for a few months, they have watched some games and some DVDs.

"He doesn't have a dominant foot which is really interesting and the main thing about him. He is quick, he is an exciting player and I think Villa fans will see he is a good player. He is the kind of player who can really make an impact in this young, exciting team. We spoke last night and he is really looking forward to it. He knows that it will be a challenge but he is ready for it."

Tonev began his career at CSKA Sofia, before going on to represent Sliven and Poznan, while he has won 11 caps for Bulgaria.

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