Aston Villa Women have confirmed the signing of Diana Silva from Sporting CP. The 25-year-old becomes Gemma Davies' third summer signing following the arrivals of Chloe Arthur and Anita Asante earlier in the window. The length of the contract hasn't been disclosed, nor has a fee been mentioned.

Silva has long been regarded as one of the brightest talents in her native Portugal. Silva began her career at Atlético Ouriense as a child. Initially part of their boy's team she was promoted straight to the women's first team as a 13-year-old as the club didn't have any women's youth teams. She impressed with her hometown club, scoring 89 league goals across her spell there.

She spent six years at Ouriense before moving to Clube de Albergaria for the 2015-16 season. An impressive season, scoring 19 goals in 24 games, attracted the attention of Sporting CP.

Following the reformation of their women's team after two decades without one, they were keen to make Silva their marquee signing.

She spent four years in the Portuguese capital, firing the Lionesses to consecutive league titles in her first two seasons. These took her total medal count to four after collecting two league titles with Ouriense in 2012-13 and 2013-14 as well as having an equally glittering career in the Portuguese Women's Cup. She has won a remarkable three doubles, twice with Sporting and once with Ouriense in 2013-14.

With experience in the UEFA Women's Champions League as well as with the Portuguese national team - already winning 58 caps after making her international bow aged just 16 - she also formed part of the Portugal squad at Euro 2017.

On the Aston Villa's website, Silva said her main motivation for moving to England was the new challenge: "I wanted to take a new step in my career and do something different.

"I've never been out of Portugal, so it's a big step for me. I achieved a couple of championships with Sporting and I hope to conquer more here."

The signings of Silva, Arthur and Asante are major statements of intent by Villa who are looking to make waves in their debut season in the Women's Super League.