Marseille had tried to hijack the move from Villa, but Gueye was keen on plying his trade in the Premier League

The 25-year-old midfielder is poised to complete his move next week providing his application for a work permit is successful

Idrissa Gueye has passed a medical at Aston Villa and is set to complete his £9million move from Lille next week.

Manager Tim Sherwood played a key role in convincing the box-to-box midfielder to join the club after talks at Bodymoor Heath training ground on Thursday and Friday.

Gueye has agreed terms but Villa must wait on paper work pertaining to the Senegal international's work permit.

Idrissa Gueye looks set to join Aston Villa after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms with the club

Gueye will join Villa next week so long as his application for a work permit is successful

Manager Tim Sherwood played a key role in convincing the midfielder to join Villa

Subject to all the checks progressing smoothly, an announcement is expected after the weekend.

Marseille made a late bid but the player was keen on a move to the Premier League.

The transfer will represent one of the biggest for Villa in recent years, surpassing the £7m fee paid to Genk for Christian Benteke – the highest price Sherwood's predecessor Paul Lambert was able to pay.

Villa finished 17th in the league last season, only narrowly avoiding relegation.

However, with ambitious signings such as Gueye as well as Scott Sinclair and Micah Richards from Manchester City, they will be hoping to fare much better next term.

Senegal international Gueye will represent one of the biggest transfers in Villa's recent history