Aston Villa signs Rudy Gestede from Blackburn Rovers on 5-year deal

Aston Villa is enjoying a busy afternoon, signing Benin national team striker Rudy Gestede an hour after finalizing a deal with Jordan Veretout.

Gestede, 26, joins Villa on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee after scoring 22 goals last season for Blackburn Rovers. He also enjoyed a stint at Cardiff City, helping the team earn promotion into the Premier League in 2011.

"I've known about Rudy since he was at Cardiff City and he is a player I've always admired," club manager Tim Sherwood said. "His goal-scoring ratio last season was fantastic and he is someone who certainly knows how to find the back of the net. He's a big, physical striker but he can play and I'm pleased to welcome him to the football club."