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Aston Villa are closing in on the signing of Colombia international midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

A fee of around £3.5 million is thought to have been agreed with his current club Elche in Spain. Now the World Cup star must agree personal terms and pass a medical before his move is confirmed.

The 28-year-old has been identified by Paul Lambert to toughen up Villa’s midfield and the Scot hopes the move will be wrapped up soon.

Villa have been after a defensive middle man all summer and had originally hoped to sign Ki Sung-Yueng from Swansea.

However, efforts were made over the weekend to get Sanchez on board as Villa firmed up their interest.

Sanchez has made 44 appearances for Colombia and played in all of his country’s World Cup matches in Brazil.

He didn't train with Elche yesterday as his representatives held talks with Aston Villa.

Queens Park Rangers have also looked at the holding midfielder this summer but have not lodged a bid.

Lambert’s squad need reinforcements ahead of their Premier League season, which kicks off in just four days’ time. In midfield they are light but the expected arrival of Sanchez will help.

With Charles N’Zogbia returning to full fitness, Joe Cole now on board and Jack Grealish breaking through, Villa’s attacking options have increased.

However, they know a strong defensive midfielder is essential, especially with Yacouba Sylla leaving on loan.

Last season’s player-of-the-year Fabian Delph had an outstanding campaign but the rest of the midfield were inconsistent.