Aston Villa’s new signing, Evann Guessand, could miss several games next season if he is selected to represent Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) later this year. The tournament runs from December 21 to January 18, meaning Guessand could miss up to seven matches in all competitions, including the FA Cup third-round weekend.

Aston Villa have signed Evann Guessand from Nice for a fee worth €35million (£30.4m; $40.5m). They will pay a €30m up-front fee and a further €5m in add-ons. The 24-year-old has signed a long-term deal with Villa.

Aston Villa has made its first major signing of the summer by landing Ivory Coast forward Evann Guessand from French club Nice for a reported fee of at least 30 million euros.