Aston Villa have announced their first signing of transfer deadline day, their third of the summer.

Victor Lindelof has joined Aston Villa on a free transfer following his departure from Manchester United at the end of last season.

Lindelof, a 71-time Sweden international, has been signed to bolster Villa’s squad depth in defence. Unai Emery was concerned about the lack of players at centre-back and right-back; as Lindelof can play in both roles, he will provide useful cover.

Birmingham World reported this morning that Lindelof had arrived on Sunday to complete the formalities after an agreement was struck. Villa are understood to have beaten Everton and Fiorentina to the defender’s services.

A statement from the club reads: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of Victor Lindelöf. The Sweden international captain, who has been capped 71 times by his country, joins the club following his departure from Manchester United at the end of last season.

“An experienced and versatile operator across the back line, Lindelöf spent eight years at Old Trafford, winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup. He had previously lifted silverware with Benfica in Portugal, after starting his career in his native Sweden.”

Lindelof becomes Villa’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window, after Zepiqueno Redmond from PSV Eindhoven, Marco Bizot from Brest and Evann Guessand from Nice. Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho are in advanced talks to become the fifth and sixth new additions.

Unai Emery reacts to Lindelof deal

The mood was sour on Sunday night after Villa suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace but Emery was still willing to address transfers, just about. After hearing of the progress made with the Lindelof deal, Birmingham World asked Emery what he made of the ex-Man Utd man.

“He’s experienced and a good player,” Emery admitted. Then, when asked whether the deal is finalised, Emery responded: “We will see tomorrow how we are closing the deadline but we are expecting, of course, to add some players.”

Lindelof, 31, may no longer be in his prime but he still boasts 194 English top-flight appearances and has played 38 times in the Champions League throughout his career. It may not be the most glamorous deadline day transfer but Lindelof’s arrival should help Villa deal with the fixture congestion to be brought about by Europa League football.