Villa sign Veretout from Nantes

Aston Villa F.C. have announced the signing of Jordan Veretout from Nantes on a five-year deal.

The France youth international, 22, becomes the club’s fourth summer signing from Ligue 1 following the arrivals of Idrissa Gueye (Lille OSC), Jordan Amavi (OGC Nice) and Jordan Ayew (FC Lorient).

“I’m really pleased Jordan decided to choose Aston Villa over the other options he had and opt to continue his development with us,” Villa manager Tim Sherwood told the club’s official website.

“He is only 22-years-old but he is vastly experienced for someone that age.

“He has played over 140 games in France and is a really exciting young player.

“I know he is very highly rated over in France so we are delighted to get this deal over the line.”

Veretout, 22, tallied seven goals and six assists in 36 league appearances for Nantes last season.

Arsenal starlet joins Barnsley on loan

League One side Barnsley F.C. have signed Arsenal teenager Dan Crowley on a half-season loan deal.

The Reds beat out several Championship clubs for Crowley’s signature, with the player set to stay at Oakwell under 3 January 2016.

“I’m delighted to welcome Dan on board,” Barnsley boss Lee Johnson said. “He is an exceptional and exciting talent who is very highly thought of at Arsenal and we are extremely pleased that we have been entrusted with his further development.

“This loan signing further evidences that Barnsley can persuade some of the country’s best young talent to come to us, even where there is stern competition. Undoubtedly, at just 17 years old, Dan is one of the best young players in his age group in Europe.

“Dan has genuine, top-level skill and quality. I am delighted Arsenal have chosen Barnsley to aid the development of this exceptional talent, as well as aiding us in our pursuit of promotion.”

Barnsley are priced at 5/1 to win promotion to the Championship in 2015/16.

Jones signs new Everton deal

Everton F.C. defender Gethin Jones has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal at Goodison Park.

The Wales Under-21 international is now under contract at the club until the summer of 2017.

“I’m over the moon,” Jones told the club’s official website. “I worked hard last year to get this new contract. I’ve been working hard as long as I’ve been here, since I was 13, and all I want to do is try and play for the first team.

“I had a little taste of it last season and now I want more. 

“It was a brilliant experience at Plymouth too and they got into the play-offs. It was good for me because I changed positions to centre midfield where I used to play when I was younger.”

Jones, 19, made seven League Two appearances for Plymouth Argyle last season.