AC Milan sign Cristian Zapata on permanent deal

AC Milan have agreed to sign defender Cristian Zapata on a permanent deal from Spanish side Villarreal.

The Colombian joined Milan on loan in the summer and has now agreed terms on a three-year deal to make his stay permanent.

"AC Milan wishes to communicate they have made the signing of Cristian Zapata from Villarreal permanent," the club said in a statement. "The defender's contract will run to June 30, 2016."

The 26-year-old has 16 caps for his country.