Aston Villa have seen competition from Chelsea to complete the signing of Lucas Digne from Everton, it was announced on Thursday.
Digne, 28, ended his four-year stay at Goodison Park to join Steven Gerrard's side on a permanent deal.
Gerrard said: "When Lucas became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him to the club.
"Signing a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa."
"That was the main factor. I came here to manager," Digne said.
“I had a great meeting with him and we talked twice during this month. I feel his desire to win, to show his football as a manager – attacking football, capture.
"I think it's what I want and what I want to show the fans."
Chelsea were originally interested in signing Digne after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the season following knee surgery. ESPN reported on 31 December that Chelsea were keen on a loan move but Everton's preference for a direct transfer and other clubs indicated they would be willing to meet the £25million asking price had complicated the situation.
Although sources have told ESPN that Digne was keen to move to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was unwilling to make a permanent signing, as Chilwell is expected to make a full recovery.
The France international became Villa's latest high-profile signing in the January transfer window after Philippe Coutinho joined Barcelona on loan until the end of the season.
Digné fell out with Everton boss Rafael BenÃtez and his last appearance for the club came in a 4–1 loss to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on 1 December.
"He's very clear," Benitez said at a recent news conference. "I want to ask every fan and former players one question - what would Peter Reid do if a player comes out and says he doesn't want to be there?
"That's it - simple. I've had a few conversations with him and he told me what he thought, so what do you expect from a manager when a player is thinking of leaving?"
Digne joined Everton from Barca in August 2018 and has made over 120 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring 20 goals in the process.
Both Digne and Coutinho could make their debuts when Villa host Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.