The move brings to an end weeks of speculation surrounding the Swedish centre half's future.

"I am very happy with this deal," said Mellberg.

"The Italian experience will be very important, at a prestigious club and in one of the best championships in the world."

"Now I want to finish the season with Aston Villa in the best way possible, but I cannot wait to join Juventus and to give my best in the black and white shirt."

Juventus coach Claudio added: "Mellberg is a player I know well and whom I have been following since I was at Chelsea."

"He is a central defender who can also play on the right, as he is doing this season."

"He is physically big but very agile, Mellberg will bring international experience and quality to Juventus."

The 30 year-old joined Villa from Spanish club Racing Santander for a reported fee of £5 million in 2001 and has since made over 200 hundred appearances for the club, scoring eight goals.

The Swede - who has 77 international caps to his name - was made club captain during David O'Leary's spell as manager, but stepped down after the 2006 World Cup.

This season he has been predominantly used as a right back, with Zat Knight preferred to partner Martin Laursen in the centre of Villa's defence.

Juventus have also confirmed the signing of Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan for the rest of the season.

Claudio Ranieri's side had also been expected to seal Mohamed Sissoko's transfer from Liverpool before the Mali midfielder headed back to the African Cup of Nations in Ghana for a match against Ivory Coast.

However, the deal has been delayed with a Juventus spokeswoman declining to comment on the hold-up.

Sporting director Alessio Secco told Italian media the signing was very close and also said Portuguese midfielder Tiago would be staying at the club after Tottenham Hotspur ran out of time to conclude a deal.