Aston Villa have completed the signing of Axel Disasi on loan until the end of the season.
Mail Sport reported on Monday evening that the deal was set to be completed but there was still no official confirmation as the transfer window slammed shut at the 11pm deadline.
But the club have now confirmed the news, capping off what has been an active and impressive month in terms of business.
It is understood that Villa have agreed to pay a £5million loan fee to Chelsea. Tottenham had agreed a similar deal with the Blues but twice failed to convince Disasi to move to north London.
Despite being rejected by Disasi over the weekend, Spurs refused to give up hope of reaching an agreement and tried to resurrect talks on Monday.
However, Disasi seemingly preferred a move to Villa Park.
Chelsea defender Axel Disasi has joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the season
Some senior figures at Chelsea had been keen for Disasi to choose Spurs over Villa, due to viewing Unai Emery’s side as direct rivals for Champions League qualification.
Interestingly, Villa’s next match is against Spurs in the FA Cup on Sunday.
But Disasi will not be eligible to make his Villa debut in that game because he is cup-tied after playing for Chelsea against Morecambe in the third round.
He will also be ineligible when Villa host Chelsea in the Premier League on February 22.
His Villa debut is likely to come against Ipswich on February 15.