Aston Villa midfielder Joe Cole has claimed that the club have signed Idrissa Gueye while he is at his peak.

The midfielder completed his move to Villa Park from French side Lille on Friday, signing a four-year deal.

Cole played with Gueye during his time at Lille, and the former England midfielder has said that he will have much to offer his new side.

"Idrissa Gueye has come in from my old club Lille - and I think he will be a wonderful addition to our squad for the new season. He's a really good player," Cole wrote on Villa's official website.

"He was a younger player coming through. He played the same position as our captain at the time. He didn't play every week. But when he did play, he was exceptional.

"You knew he'd develop into a top player. We're getting him at the age of 25 and he's coming into the prime of his career. It's a good move for the club."

Gueye made 154 appearances during his five-year spell at Lille.