Three-year contract has been signed by Aston Villa

  *Ritchie De Laet in action for Leicester against Aston Villa last season

Aston Villa sign Ritchie De Laet Leicester on a contract for three years.

The 27-year-old defender had been with Leicester since May 2012, but spent the latter part of last season on loan with Middlesbrough, winning promotion from the Championship for the second time in three years.

He will now have the opportunity to complete the feat for the third time as Villa look to make a swift return to the Premier League.

De Laet only made three appearances for United though and had spells on loan at Sheffield United, Preston, Portsmouth and Norwich before his move to Leicester.

The Belgian was signed by Stoke in 2007 from Antwerp before making a move to Manchester United 18 months later.

Villa manager Roberto Di Matteo said :  "I'm pleased to have brought Ritchie to the club.

"He is another player who not only has Championship experience but has also played a part in helping a team win promotion back to the Premier League."

Source : Skysports