Kamara's contract is a big deal for Villa chief

VILLA have confirmed star midfielder Boubacar Kamara has signed a new contract with the club.

- By JOHN TOWNLEY

The 25-year-old had been in discussions over fresh terms for months and has now agreed a new deal that richly rewards his progress since joining on a free transfer from Marseille three years ago.

Kamara was into the final two years of his contract before committing his future to the club, with Villa determined to secure his services long-term.

His new deal comes as a major boost for manager Unai Emery heading into the new season and underscores that the club's ambitious project remains firmly on course.

Without Champions League football, Kamara had previously questioned his future. However, a recent breakthrough in talks has allayed those concerns.

Villa now have two potential routes back into UEFA’s elite competition this season - through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League.