Aston Villa have signed Christopher Samba on a short term deal, the club's official website has confirmed.

Christopher Samba puts pen to paper on a one year deal with Aston Villa and joins on a free transfer.

Samba has been a free agent since leaving Panathinaikos in January 2017 and he has been training with Aston Villa for several months now.

This has given Steve Bruce a chance to extensively assess the towering centre back's fitness and ability.

Aston Villa have decided to offer the 33-year-old a one year deal after he joined the squad for pre-season.

Samba offers plenty of experience.

Throughout his career, the 6ft 4in defender has played in France (Sedan), Germany (Hertha Berlin), Russia (Anzhi and Dynamo Moscow), Greece (Panathinaikos) and England (Blackburn and Queens Park Rangers).

The Congolese international has 171 Premier League appearances under his belt from his time with Blackburn and QPR, netting 16 goals during that time.

Samba now provides competition for places at centre half but his arrival could be offset by the departure of either Tommy Elphick or Micah Richards, who have been pushed further to the periphery of Bruce's squad.

Christopher Samba becomes Aston Villa's fifth signing of the summer transfer window so far, following John Terry (Chelsea), Sam Johnstone (Manchester United), Ahmed Elmohamady (Hull City) and Glenn Whelan (Stoke City) through the door at Villa Park.

Aston Villa fans - what do you make of Christopher Samba signing? Let us know below...