Former Manchester United defender signs with Aston Villa

Lindelof spent eight years with United and was a consistent presence in its matchday squads. His poise on the ball gives him the ability to play out from the back. Furthermore, his positional versatility will give Emery some options when piecing together his matchday squads. 

In signing Lindelof, Villa has found a replacement for Axel Disasi, who spent last season on loan with the Villains and has since returned to Chelsea. 

Villa, which finished sixth in the Premier League last season, now has a reliable right-sided center back to slot into the back line. His experience will be invaluable, especially as Emery chases European qualification. The fact that he's been acquired without a transfer fee is also a significant bonus for the club.

Lindelof will now fight for a starting place, with competition coming from Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres, Lamare Bogarde and Tyrone Mings. There's no doubt that Emery has added talent and depth. He should be comfortable with the center backs at his disposal moving forward.

Nevertheless, Villa isn't expected to be done with business just yet. Rumors have linked it with loan moves for Harvey Elliott of Liverpool and Jadon Sancho of Manchester United. If Villa can get both of them through the door before the 7 p.m. BST deadline (2 p.m. ET), it will be a serious threat to break into the Champions League places next season.

After a slow summer of transfer moves, Villa has finally kicked into gear. It's going to be an exciting deadline day over in Birmingham.