Aston Villa have announced that winger Scott Sinclair has joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester City.
The 26-year-old initially moved to Villa Park in January on loan until the end of the season, but the club's survival in the Premier League has triggered the switch being made permanent for a reported fee of £2.5m.
The former Swansea City and Chelsea man has signed a four-year deal with Tim Sherwood's side that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2019.
"I am so happy. We've had a fantastic end to the current season - and now I am already looking forward to the new season starting. It's also great for me and the family to be settled now. For every footballer, it's important to have that stability. I believe that will help me perform better and push on for this great club in the coming years," Sinclair told the club's official website.
"It's so much different than when you're on loan and going here, there and everywhere. It was important for the family to have that stability and I'm thrilled it's with a club like Villa. This is the happiest I have been in a long time. Now it's about kicking on with my career in claret and blue. I have already loved every minute of playing for this club. To be a permanent Villa player now is a fantastic feeling.
"I feel I made a good start when I joined on loan and it's just a shame that I got injured. Obviously I got fit again but the team has been doing well and I've, rightly, had to bide my time. My aim now in the closing two weeks is giving 100% in training and waiting for my next chance. In the summer, I will have a nice break. Saying that, I am not sure it will be much of a break because the missus will be having a baby in the next four weeks! But when I come back for pre-season, it's about me being fit and firing and I will definitely be raring to go."
Sinclair has made 11 appearances in all competitions during his loan spell this season, scoring three goals.
Villa complete their Premier League campaign at home to Burnley on Sunday before taking on holders Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, May 30.
Barney Corkhill
