Blackburn striker Gestede completes Villa switch

Tim Sherwood has hailed striker Rudy Gestede after he joined Aston Villa from Blackburn on a five-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Villa manager Sherwood had been looking to bolster his attacking options after the sale of Christian Benteke to Liverpool, and turned to Benin worldwide Gestede who found the back of the net 22 times for Blackburn last season.

No official word from either side as yet, but the photos of Rudy Gestede proudly holding his new Aston Villa shirt aloft are already doing the rounds on Twitter.

The club are still thought to be keen on finishing a move for Tottenham’s Emmanuel Adebayor to play up front with Gestede, although some Spurs fans may now worry that they won’t get rid of their high-earning benchwarmer this summer at all.

The 26-year-old was one of Blackburn’s top goalscorers last season with 19 to his name in the Championship – only Jordan Rhodes (21) bettered that in Gary Bowyer’s squad. “He’s a big, physical striker but he can play and I’m pleased to welcome him to the football club”.

The striker had a medical at Villa Park to seal the move after reported interest from Watford and Norwich City.

Gestede has scored three goals in six appearances for Benin since 2013.