Aston Villa have completed a deal to sign Birmingham City playmaker Jota, according to reports from Birmingham Live.

The Villans have only just won promotion to the Premier League after beating Derby County in the play-off final last weekend, but it seems as if Dean Smith isn't wasting any time in strengthening his squad ahead of next season.

And, one player who looks set to become Villa's first signing of the summer is a man who Smith knows particularly well, in Birmingham City's Jota.

The Spaniard was a key player for Smith during his time at Brentford, and has since gone on to do reasonably well at St. Andrew's, scoring three goals and producing 11 assists in all competitions for Garry Monk's men this term.

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And, according to Birmingham Live, Villa's deal to sign Jota from their arch rivals is now complete, in a move which will see Gary Gardner move to Birmingham on a permanent deal as well as an additional reported fee of £4million.

His arrival would add to what is already a talented Villa attacking force, whilst Birmingham will be looking to spend their money wisely from the sale.

The Verdict

I think that this would be a very good piece of business by Villa.

£4million is hardly a lot of money nowadays, and Gardner is a player that just isn't in Smith's plans whatsoever, so it's a shrewd piece of business if it all goes through.

He is a player that Smith will know how to get the best out of, and he will suit his playing style to a tee.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.