There had already been rumours that experienced defender Christopher Samba was on trial with Aston Villa but Steve Bruce confirmed that news - reported via the club's official Twitter page - today.

Christopher Samba has over 100 Premier League appearances to his name for Blackburn Rovers and Queens Park Rangers in two separate stints in England but he may return for a third spell.

The 6'4'' centre half has also spent time playing in France (Sedan), Germany (Hertha Berlin), Russia (two spells at Anzhi and also Dynamo Moscow) and most recently Greece (Panathinaikos).

Samba is now a free agent after leaving Panathinaikos last month and he had a trial spell with former boss Sam Allardyce at Crystal Palace.

Steve Bruce is now running the rule over the Congolese international defender as he looks to bolster his options at the back ahead of a potential relegation battle.

Here are how Aston Villa fans reacted to the Christopher Samba news on Twitter.