The paperwork which will complete the switch is to be signed next week, but a fee and terms have already been agreed between the three parties.

And the 23-year-old, who scored eight goals in 60 appearances for Lech Poznan, has expressed delight over his impending move to the Premier League.

"I am really happy to be part of Aston Villa and I am really proud to be able to pull the shirt on," he told the club's official website. 

"Aston Villa is a big club and the manager and club have a belief in young players and in the team ethic. 

"Football is not about the individuals. It's a team sport and all successful teams play well together. That's what you can see at Villa, the team is playing together.

"I am part of the team now and I am hungry for success. I want to show everybody what I can really do. 

"I have played in front of big crowds before but the atmosphere here in England is unique. The crowd is like a 12th player for the team and I am looking forward to playing in front of the fans."

Bulgaria international Tonev has insisted that the size of the club, rather than the presence of his compatriot Stiliyan Petrov, convinced him to make the move.

But Petrov, who has taken up a coaching role with VIlla since retiring from first-team duties due to his battle with acute leukaemia, has hailed his former international team-mate.

He said: "I played alongside Aleks, so I know a little bit about what kind of a player he is. The main thing is that the manager likes him as well and the way he plays.
"I think Villa fans have one exciting player on their hands. I think the club has been monitoring Aleksandar for a few months, they have watched some games and some DVDs."