Villarreal sign Indian forward Ashique Kuruniyan

Villarreal have signed Indian forward Ashique Kuruniyan from Pune City on a one-year loan deal.

The 19-year-old, who has represented India at both Under-18 and Under-19 levels, will swap the Indian Super League for a stint with Villarreal's youth team El Submarino Amarillo.

"It's a dream come true for me," Kuruniyan told the club's official website. "For years, we have admired these top clubs and their players from afar but, thanks to FC Pune City and Villarreal, I will get a chance to play at one of the most respected clubs in Spain."

Villarreal president Fernando Roig added: "We're delighted to bring Ashique Kuruniyan here as we believe he is a great talent. I'm sure that he is going to improve as a player here and this is only going to bode well for Indian football in general.

"We thank FC Pune City for facilitating this move and hope this inspires many more Indian youngsters to be successful in Europe."

An impressive start to the season has left Villarreal in fourth position in La Liga - just two points behind the leaders Real Madrid ahead of this weekend's trip to Eibar.