Birmingham City winger Jota has signed for Midlands rivals Aston Villa, according to Joseph Chapman of Birmingham Live.

Aston Villa Sign Jota From Birmingham City

Historic Transfer Across Town

27-year-old Jota has become the first player to move directly between the Second City rivals since Alan Curbishley in 1983.

The former Brentford wide-man underwent a medial on Friday ahead of a move to the newly promoted Premier League side. The move will see Gary Gardner move in the other direction in a permanent transfer.

Jota is well known to Dean Smith due to their Brentford connections.

He joined Birmingham City two years ago for £6 million. The Spaniard has scored eight goals in 75 appearances for the Blues.

Academy product Gardner spent last season on loan with Birmingham City; it is understood that the 26-year-old is not part of Smith’s plans in the Premier League.

Birmingham Live report that Villa will pay a fee of around £4 million for Jota, though a precise amount has not been agreed.

Aston Villa were promoted to the Premier League after beating Derby County 2-1 in the play-off final. Ending a three-year absence from the top-flight, Villa boss Smith is therefore desperate to boost his chances of survival upon their return.

Heading Out

Albert Adomah, Tommy Elphick and Mile Jedinak are all set to leave Villa Park; their contracts expire at the end of June. Glenn Whelan‘s future with the Midlands side has also been decided with the midfielder being released ahead of the Premier League campaign.

In addition, Alan Hutton, Aston Villa’s longest-serving current play, has become the latest Villain to confirm his departure.

The Scotsman posted on Instagram that Villa will “forever be in his heart” after not being offered a new deal.

Hutton’s eight-year spell with Villa saw the 34-year-old make a total of 202 appearances.

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