Karim El Ahmadi is on his way to Aston Villa © PA Photos Enlarge

Paul Lambert has wrapped up his first capture as Aston Villa boss, with Karim El Ahmadi sealing his move from Feyenoord.

The midfielder emerged as a transfer target for Villa last month and Lambert spoke of his hope of pushing through a deal prior to July 5 when his players report back for pre-season training.

Negotiations passed off without a hitch and the 27-year-old put his name to a three-year contract on Monday.

"I'm very excited about coming here to a massive club and I'm looking forward to playing here," he told the club's official website. "I'm very happy that the manager wants me and that the club wants me and I'm looking forward to starting training again."

Villa had a tough time last season, but El Ahmadi is positive about the club making an impression in the new campaign.

He said: "It's nice that I am the manager's first transfer and I am looking forward to doing good things with the team and with the club this year. This club should be competing in the top half of the table and I am looking forward to achieving that with the team."

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