Financial details were not disclosed but Sky Sports had earlier reported that the deal was worth between Stg20 million ($A37.5m) and Stg25m ($A47m).

The 28-year-old Digne joins Villa after three-and-a-half years at Everton, where he made 127 appearances across all competitions while registering six goals and 20 assists.

The arrival of Digne at Villa Park further highlights the club's ambitions under Gerrard after they were boosted by the loan signing of Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho from Barca last week.

"When Lucas became available we jumped at the opportunity to bring him to the club," Villa manager Steven Gerrard said.

"To sign a player of his pedigree and quality in the January window is a great addition to our squad and his arrival excites me and everyone associated with Aston Villa."

Villa are 14th in the Premier League standings with 22 points after 19 games and host seventh-placed Manchester United on Saturday.

Digne, capped 43 times by France, last played for the Toffees on December 1 in the 4-1 home Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool -- after falling out with manager Rafael Benitez over tactics and his role in the team.

"Only one year ago I signed a new contract with the ambition of staying in this club for a long time... I just did not expect it to end this way," Digne said of his exit from Goodison Park.

"What has happened and some things that was said about me in the last month has made me very sad. But I will not enter a war on words with anyone."

Benitez was critical of Digne's attitude, saying: "We are paid big money to do our job and if someone is happy or not happy it is (still) up to you to perform in your job."

Digne spent two seasons at Barcelona and played 46 times for the club, winning La Liga and the Copa del Rey before leaving in 2018.

He previously played for Ligue 1 side Paris Saint-Germain, where he won two league titles.

with PA

Australian Associated Press