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Villa are hoping to make Carlos Sanchez their fifth summer signing.

The Colombian is flying into Birmingham ahead of a medical which could take place at some point tomorrow after a fee was agreed with his current club Elche.

They are expected to pay around £4.5million in total which includes a payment to the third party ownership group that controls part of the player’s rights.

Earlier today rumours surfaced that Villa’s interest had cooled, however the move appears to be very much on.

It’s thought that some minor details still need to be ironed out as talks continue but I’m told that today's negotiations went well.

Subject to him passing a medical, and at this stage, there is not one booked, Sanchez is expected to become a Villa player.

There are not likely to be any work permit issues, though.

The 28-year-old has 48 international caps and played for his country four times during the World Cup.

His move from the Spanish side, should there be no late problems, will be a big boost for Paul Lambert.

The claret and blues boss has been searching for a defensive midfielder to bolster his ranks ahead of the start of the season.

Sanchez was identified following his solid displays for club and country.

He performed well in Brazil during Colombia’s impressive World Cup campaign and will offer the bite that Villa have lacked in recent years.

Last term Fabian Delph was the stand-out player in the middle of the park but he lacked the support alongside him.

With a player like Sanchez sitting in a deeper role, Delph and co could flourish with the greater protection behind them.

If Villa can land another cash signing it will be exciting news for fans ahead of the season’s opener on Saturday.

Before last week Villa had only recruited three new players - all of them arriving on free transfers.

With Joe Cole missing much of the pre-season schedule through injury, supporters only had Philippe Senderos and Kieran Richardson to check out before Aly Cissokho’s arrival.

The left-back who signed from Valencia is expected to be fit and ready to play against Stoke City at the weekend.