Danish Starlet Joins Villa After Rejecting Chelsea In January

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Denmark international Jores Okore six months after he decided to turn down a move to Chelsea.

The 20-year-old left Danish league runners up Nordsjaelland on Thursday to complete a medical at Villa Park, on a day where Paul Lambert's side also secured the signature of midfielder Leandro Bacuna, who has joined the club on a three year deal from FC Groningen.

Okore caught the eye of a number of clubs with his performances for the Danish club during last season's Champions League, before his side were eliminated at the group stages of the tournament. With Premier League football now on his agenda, the centre half cannot wait to get started.

"I know there is great potential in this team. I have watched many of our games because the Premier League is a very popular back in Denmark," Okore told Villa's official website.

"I know also that we have a good coach and this is a really good club. This is the right club for me, I feel it straight away."

The Dane found himself linked with moves to both Manchester United and Chelsea last January, and the Blues saw an offer for the young defender accepted by Nordsjaelland.

Okore snubbed the club's offer however, insisting that first team football would be a key factor in any decision regarding his future.

"I chose to turn it down (the offer from Chelsea) as it did not fit the strategy I have for my future," he told TV2 Denmark, Sky Sports report.

"My biggest wish is to play first team football and that was not something that was on the cards."

The future of Christian Benteke after his remarkable first season in English football is likely to cast a shadow over Villa's summer plans, but the club have wasted little time in strengthening their squad after their relegation scare last season.

In addition to Andreas Weimann committing himself to the club for another three years, Paul Lambert's side have also enlisted the services of Aleksandar Tonev, in addition to their moves for Okore and Bacuna.

The Villains fended off interest from SPL champions Celtic to secure the services of the 23-year-old winger, paying Lech Poznan £2.8m for his services.