Manager Dean Smith says he is looking forward to working with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan after his move to Aston Villa was confirmed on Wednesday for an undisclosed fee.

Villa have been busy in the summer window as they prepare for life back in the Premier League and Hassan, more commonly known as Trezeguet, becomes the club’s ninth new arrival since promotion via the play-offs was secured. Reports are suggesting the Villans paid Turkish outfit Kasimpasa £9million for the Egypt international, who scored one goal in four appearances for his country at the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

That has taken Villa’s spending to just short of £100m and it shows a real statement of intent from Smith, who is building a squad that looks capable of finishing in the top half of the Premier League. Trezeguet’s move, which is subject to a work visa and international clearance, adds to Villa’s attacking options that already boast the likes of Wesley, Anwar El Ghazi, Jonathan Kodja, Jota, Andre Green and Scott Hogan.

Speaking about the new arrival, Smith said he is delighted to have acquired his services and is eager to see how he adapts to the Premier League. “We’re really excited to work with ‘Trez’. I’ve watched him a number of times,” he told the club’s official website.

“He’s the type of wide player that we have been looking for who is direct, causes problems for the opposition in the final third and scores goals.” Villa get their Premier League campaign off to a start on August 10 with a tricky trip to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The visitors are huge 11.00 outsiders to claim the spoils, a draw is priced at 5.25 while Spurs are 1.30 favourites.