Aston Villa sign Bulgaria midfielder Aleksandar Tonev

The 23-year-old joins from Lech Poznan

Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Bulgaria midfielder Aleksandar Tonev from Polish side Lech Poznan.

The 23-year-old has agreed terms and passed a medical and the final paperwork on the move will be completed next week.

"I am really happy to be part of Aston Villa and I am really proud to be able to pull the shirt on," Tonev said.

"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.

"I can't wait to start and to meet my team-mates and the manager. When I heard about Aston Villa, I thought about playing in the Premier League for such a big club. I wasn't thinking about anything else."

Tonev played alongside former Villa midfielder and now assistant development coach Stiliyan Petrov in the national team and hopes to emulate the success he and fellow Bulgarian Dimitar Berbatov have had in England.

"Stiliyan and Dimitar Berbatov have done really well in this league and I hope I can do the same," he added.

"They are both great Bulgarian players and hopefully I can do the same and make my mark on the Premier League.

"I have been watching Villa and I know there are some very good players here. I am really looking forward to being part of the team."

Petrov believes the club have acquired a good prospect.

"I think Villa fans have one exciting player on their hands," he said.

"He doesn't have a dominant foot which is really interesting, 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."

PA