Villa seal Harewood deal

Aston Villa have clinched the signing of Marlon Harewood from West Ham.

As revealed by skysports.com earlier this week Villa agreed a fee with West Ham for the striker.

Villa made their move for Harewood after he held talks and underwent a medical at Wigan last weekend.

After weighing up both offers, Harewood has opted to join Villa and he has signed a three-year deal at Villa Park.

Harewood is Villa boss Martin O'Neill's second signing of the summer following the arrival of former West Ham team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker.

O'Neill was delighted to land the former Nottingham Forest hit-man.

"I'm delighted that he's accepted the invitation to come and join us," O'Neill told the club's official website.

"I know there were other teams wanting to take him, but he's prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the first team.

"I'm delighted to have him. He's a strong lad, very athletic and if he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset.

"He's coming to join a squad. We've let some players go during the summer and we're now rebuilding the squad again.

"Marlon's prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that's what we want at this football club. He's a confident lad who's willing to fight for his place."