Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of German midfielder Ramona Petzelberger from Frauen-Bundesliga side SGS Essen.

The 27 year-old becomes the second player to arrive at the Midlands club in 24 hours after full-back Caro Siems.

Petzelberger told VillaTV: "It’s a new experience for me, but I like it and I’m happy here now.

"I think the English league is the best in the world at the moment, with the best players and the best teams.

"I’m very excited to be part of it."

Aston Villa were promoted to the Women’s Super League after an unbeaten season in the Women’s Championship was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

Villa were awarded the title on a points-per-game basis and promoted to the top tier as Liverpool were relegated to the second division.

Villa boss Gemma Davies told the club website: "I am delighted that we have signed Ramona, with a huge amount of experience in the German Bundesliga.

"She is a very technical player, who likes to play between the lines and make key passes that unlocks defences.

"She is exceptionally fit and can operate box-to-box with ease.

"I am excited by what Ramona will bring to our team."

Petzelberger was capped 13 times for the German Under-20 national team, scoring one goal.

The new WSL season kicks off on the weekend of September 5-6.