Aston Villa have completed the signing of Belgium international striker Christian Benteke in a £7million move from Genk.
The 21-year-old has put pen to paper on a four-year contract after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical. Villa had two initial bids rejected for Benteke but finally agreed a fee before the player flew into Birmingham on Friday afternoon.
Benteke is Villa's eighth signing of the summer and takes their spending during that period to just under £25million.
He has been a major target in recent weeks for Villa manager Paul Lambert, who has watched the player in action on several occasions and feels he is the ideal kind of forward to supplement penalty-box predator Darren Bent and the speedy Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Benteke has netted three times in five games this season after being on target 18 times during the 2011-12 campaign in all competitions.
He was also scored for his country for the first time in the 4-2 win over Holland earlier this month in what was his fifth cap.
Benteke joins striker Jordan Bowery (Chesterfield) and midfielder Ashley Westwood (Crewe) in moving to Villa on transfer deadline day.
"I am still young and I have realised my dream. My dream was to come here and I am very happy," Benteke told Sky Sports News. "I hope I will be a success. I am motivated.
"It was difficult and I say thank you to Genk and everyone there. I will go forward for a new challenge.
"I think every player wants to come to the Premier League and I am very happy."
Source: PA
