Aston Villa have announced the signing of centre-forward Mbwana Samatta on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Belgian side KRC Genk, giving the relegation-threatened Premier League club a much-needed extra option up front. Villa Manager Dean Smith said: "I'm really pleased we have managed to bring Mbwana to the club. He has scored goals throughout his career and I'm looking forward to working with him."

Villa rocked by Wesley setback

Former Club Brugge striker Wesley, who joined Villa in a reported £22million move in June, suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in the win over Burnley on New Year's Day.

Samatta will hope to help fill the void, having scored 10 goals in 28 appearances in all competitions for Genk this season - including one against Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League. The Tanzania international has cost Villa a reported 11 million euros.