Aston Villa get green light to seal deal

Aston Villa hope to formally complete the signing of Manchester City defender Richard Dunne on Wednesday.

Villa agreed a £6million fee for the Republic of Ireland international and lodged all the relevant documents with the authorities before Tuesday's 5pm deadline.

However, the Premier League has asked for more time to ratify the deal due to the deluge of paperwork received in the closing hours of the transfer window.

Dunne is expected to be confirmed as Villa's seventh signing of the summer later on Wednesday.

Stewart Downing, Fabian Delph, Habib Beye, Stephen Warnock and Andy Marshall all arrived at Villa Park earlier in the transfer window, while James Collins joined in a £5million deal on deadline day.

The former West Ham United defender believes he has taken a step forward after joining the Midlands club.

He explained:"Aston Villa is a massive club so, after coming here looking around the place and I'm friendly with a few of the boys as well, it didn't take a lot of persuading on my part.

"I loved my time at West Ham but I believe I have taken a step forward.

"I have come to Aston Villa to improve as a player and hopefully improve their team. I'll be looking to do that straight away."

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