Aston Villa have announced the signing of French left-back Lucas Digne from Everton on a four year and a half deal.

Steven Gerrard’s side paid a transfer fee of around €27m to sign the 28-year-old who had been out of favour at Goodison Park following a fallout with manager, Rafa Benitez.

Digne who has spent time with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Roma and Barcelona, becomes Gerrard’s second signing of the January transfer window.

He joins Brazilian star, Philippe Coutinho who joined Villa Park on a six-month loan from Spanish side, Barcelona.

Head Coach Steven Gerrard said: “When Lucas became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him to the club.

“To sign a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa.”

Meanwhile, relegation-threatened Newcastle United have also completed the signing of Chris Wood from Burnley on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The Magpies triggered the New Zealand international’s £25million release clause prior to the signing of the 30-year-old.

Wood becomes Eddie Howe’s second signing after the acquisition of former Tottenham full-back, Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid.