Aston Villa sign Jose Angel Crespo, a defender infamously punched by Cristiano Ronaldo

The 28-year-old full-back started his career at Sevilla, where he was part of the squad that won the 2006 UEFA Cup before going on to play for Racing Santander, as well as Padova, Bologna and Verona in Italy.

Crespo is best recalled in these parts as the player involved in Cristiano Ronaldo's red card against Cordoba during a Liga match back in January.

The 2014 Ballon d’Or winner lashed out at Crespo and his team-mate Edimar with just minutes remaining in the tie at the Nuevo Estadio El Arcangel that Madrid won 2-1 courtesy of a late Gareth Bale penalty.

Ronaldo appeared to have a couple of swings at Crespo, but caught Edimar with a punch and a kick before being sent off. He was later handed a two-match ban after taking to Twitter to apologise to Edimar.

Cordoba, who were relegated from the Primera Division last season, announced the former Spain Under-21 international's impending move to Villa on their official Twitter account this morning, saying: "Cordoba and Aston Villa have reached an agreement for the transfer of Jose Angel Crespo to the English team.

"The defender, after an agreement in principle between the clubs, travels to England today to undergo a medical before signing."

Villa have already brought in the likes of Micah Richards, Idrissa Gueye and Jordan Amavi this summer as they look to build on last season's 17th-placed finish under Tim Sherwood.