Spanish attacking midfielder Carles Gil has joined Aston Villa from Valencia on a four-and-a-half-year contract, the Premier League club announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old, who is a Spain Under-21 international, can play on either flank or behind a striker and has been signed to bolster a Villa attack that has mustered only 11 goals in 21 league games this season.

Villa did not release details of the transfer fee, but British media reports said the club had paid around £3.25 million ($4.9 million, 4.2 million euros) to secure Gil's services.

"We've been on the lookout for a creative player and he will certainly bring that extra element to the side," said Villa manager Paul Lambert on the club's official website.

"He's only 22 years of age, but he will come here and give us something I don't think we have at the moment. He can play either role, coming in off the sides or playing in behind as well.

"He can create chances and get those chances put away. He has a lot to offer and I know we can get the best out of him."

Gil came through the youth system at Valencia and spent the last two seasons on loan at Elche, where he played alongside Villa's Colombian midfielder Carlos Sanchez.

"Once I knew that this club was interested in me, I wanted to join," said the Spaniard, who could make his debut at home to Liverpool on Saturday.

"I am really looking forward to playing here and showing the fans what I can do."