ASTON VILLA have beaten Palace and other Premier League sides to the signing of French midfielder Boubacar Kamara on a five-year deal.

The 22-year-old will move to Villa Park from Ligue 1 side Marseille after his contract expires in the summer.

Kamara has just earned his first call-up to the France national team following an impressive season in which Marseille secured a second-placed finish and reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals.

Kamara is manager Steven Gerrard’s second summer recruit after Philippe Coutinho, who joined the club on loan from Barcelona in January, agreed a permanent move.

Gerrard told the club’s website: “I am delighted that we have been able to attract one of the most promising young talents in European football.

“We have a very clear plan to make our team stronger and Bouba is an important part of that.”

Palace had been linked with a move for Kamara since January due to his expiring contract in France.

Manager Patrick Vieira will now have to target other midfielders as he hopes to strengthen his squad ahead of next season.

Other reported midfield targets of Palace are Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and Lens midfielder Cheick Doucore.

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