CONFIRMED: Aston Villa snap up World Cup star Carlos Sanchez

Carlos Sanchez has signed for Aston Villa[GETTY]

The 28-year-ancient midfielder has been snapped up by Villa boss Paul Lambert after putting in a number of impressive performances for his country during the World Cup finals in Brazil.

Sanchez, nicknamed ‘The Rock’, has been a long-term target for Villa after they dropped out of the running for Swansea’s Ki Sung-Yeung.

Lambert was unsure whether a deal could be completed before the end of the month, telling reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League opener against Stoke: “The situation is he’s not our player.

“We’ll have to see what happens over the next few days.

I’m never quite sure in anticipation of he’s signed on the dotted line

Paul Lambert

“There’s not too much to say on it.

“I’m not going to talk about someone who’s not our player.

“I’m never quite sure in anticipation of he’s signed on the dotted line. We’ve got in anticipation of the end of August.”

But the Villa boss’ fears have been allayed, and Sanchez will go straight into the first-team squad.