Aston Villa confirm £5m signing of former Chelsea and Everton star Ross Barkley from relegated Luton

ASTON VILLA have announced the signing of Ross Barkley.

The midfielder, 30, has joined the Villans after an impressive single season with Luton Town.

Ross Barkley is staying in the Prem after Villa pounced

Playmaker Barkley failed to keep Luton upRex

Villa agreed to a £5million deal with the relegated Hatters to make the deal happen.

The Sun revealed last month that Unai Emery’s men were in talks with him.

Manchester United were also said to be monitoring Barkley, who won 33 England caps from 2013-2019.

Barkley’s one campaign with Luton after arriving on a free transfer from Nice was a huge success.

The former Everton and Chelsea playmaker notched five goals and four assists in 32 Prem games for Rob Edwards‘ side.

Many pundits reckoned his form pushed him to the brink of a Three Lions‘ recall.

Barkley’s fortunes gradually fell away after he left Goodison Park for Stamford Bridge in 2018.

He eventually left for a loan spell with Villa in 2020-21.

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And after rebuilding his fortunes in France via a permanent move to Nice, he was back to his best last term with Luton.

Now he will be back in the Champions League – after switching to a Villa side who finished fourth in the Prem.

That was the first time the Villans have made Europe’s top club competition since 1982-83.

Fans on social media hailed the capture of Barkley.

One posted: “Ross Barkley returns to Villa! Exciting times ahead under Unai Emery’s leadership.”

“He’s gonna cook,” said another, while a third claimed: “Huge boost for Villa.”

Similar verdicts included: “Great choice by both (Barkley and Emery)” and “smart signing”.