Aston Villa sign promising Serbian defender Kosta Nedelkjovic

Aston Villa have announced the signing of 18-year-old defender Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade for an undisclosed fee.

The full-back, a product of the Red Star academy, has made 12 appearances for the Serbian giants since his senior debut in August. He will remain on loan at Belgrade from Villa for the rest of the season.

Under Unai Emery, high-flying Villa is currently fourth in the Premier League. The Midlands club views the Serbian under-19 as a project player, with both Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa having played at right-back this season.

Villa will return to competitive action on Friday night when they face Chelsea in the FA Cup Fourth Round at Stamford Bridge.