Ghana defender Daniel Amartey's versatility and age were big factors in English Premier League side Leicester City's desire to sign him, manager Claudio Ranieri has revealed.

City signed the 21-year-old defensive midfielder last week in a £5million deal with FC Copenhagen and Ranieri said he believes they have unearthed a real gem.

Amartey can play in several positions but after being converted into a central midfield player by Copenhagen boss Stale Solbakken, he was widely considered one of the best midfielders in the Danish league.

"He is another young player with good quality and is a strong man," said Ranieri.

"He can play centre-back, right-back, central midfield and on the right-wing.

"It is important for me to have another good young player.

"It's important to have one player who will permit me to change something in the match. He's strong, a hard worker. He has our spirit. I want to bring in players with our spirit."

Amartey is City's second signing of the January transfer window after the arrival of 19-year-old Demarai Gray from Birmingham.