Derby County have bought Argentine striker Emanuel Villa for £2 million from Tecos UAG.

Villa, 25, has joined from the Mexican side on a two-and-a-half year deal.

"This is a very exciting capture for us," boss Paul Jewell (pictured) told the club website. "I believe Emanuel is a striker of the highest quality.

"He's a player I've known about for a long time and someone I was very keen to bring here."

Villa has scored almost a goal every other game in his two seasons in Mexico and Jewell feels the former Atlas, Rosario and Huracan hitman can be a success in England.

"I've seen him play myself and his reputation in South America is very high," he continued.

"He's quick, good in the air, strong, and physical and has a good record in front of goal.

"I think he's a player the Derby fans will quickly take to. His attributes give me no doubt that he'll adapt to the English game quickly."

Reda Maher / Eurosport