Burnley complete Ashley Westwood signing

Burnley have completed the signing of midfielder Ashley Westwood from Aston Villa on a three-and-a-half year deal with the option of an extra year.

The 26-year-old made 162 appearances during his four-and-a-half-year spell with the Villans and was a virtual ever-present for the club in the Championship this term, making 23 appearances.

"I'm delighted to be here. It's happened fast but I've been made to feel very welcome and I can't wait to get going," Westwood told the Clarets' website. "It feels like a proper football club and homely and that's what I like. I like to be appreciated and I think I will definitely get that here.

"The manager at Villa said I could speak to Burnley and for me that was perfect – a fresh start because things had got a bit stale at Villa. It's a fresh start and I want to show people what I can really do.

"I have had some great times at Villa but recently it's not been too good. I'm back in the Premier League and I've got another chance - coming here into a dressing room like this, full of British talent, and people who want to do well. I fit that bill and hopefully we can grow as a team and keep on improving."

Burnley are currently 13th in the Premier League, 10 points above the dropzone with 16 games of the season remaining.