Cameroon international Jean Makoun has joined Aston Villa from French side Lyon on a three-and-a-half year deal, the Premier League side confirmed today.

A statement on the club's website said the 27-year-old would be eligible to play in around two weeks' time, once a work permit had been secured for the midfielder.

"I am thrilled to be here at Aston Villa," Makoun said. "I am really, really happy and very proud to have joined a great club. Villa have been after me for quite a while so I am delighted it's finally happened. I can't wait to get started."

Villa have been after me for quite a while so I am delighted it's finally happened. I can't wait to get started.
Jean Makoun, new Aston Villa midfielder

Villa manager Gerard Houllier said Makoun's versatility and experience would be an asset to the Birmingham club, who reportedly paid Lyon a £6million transfer fee to secure the player's services.

"Jean is a player who can play in front of the defence as a sitter and defensive midfielder or as a box-to-box midfielder," Houllier said. "He has several assets about his game. He is also a very experienced player because he played Champions League football with Lille and Lyon."

Aston Villa face Birmingham City in a derby match on Sunday.