Villa add Cameroon star Makoun to lineup

Cameroon international, Jean II Makoun has shifted to Aston Villa from French side Lyon in a three and a half year deal, the English Premier League side confirmed today.

Cameroon international, Jean II Makoun has shifted to Aston Villa from French side Lyon in a three and a half year deal, the English Premier League side confirmed on Saturday.

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A statement on Villa's website said the 27 year old ould be eligible to play for the club 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 boss, Gerard Houllier said Makoun's versatility and experience would be an asset to the Birmingham club, who reportedly paid Lyon a 6 million pound 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 in a derby match on Sunday.