Phillips seals Villa move

Aston Villa have completed the signing of Southampton striker Kevin Phillips.

The former Watford and Sunderland hit-man has put pen-to-paper on a two-year deal with David O'Leary's side after passing medical on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old becomes the club's fourth new signing of the summer, joining Patrik Berger, Aaron Hughes and Stuart Taylor in making a switch to Villa Park.

With Southampton suffering relegation from The Premiership on the last day of the season, Phillips will still have the opportunity to show his wares in the top-flight with The Villans.

"I'm delighted to be back in The Premiership and to come to such a great club is a good move for me," Phillips told Villa's official website.

"I know the manager has been interested in signing me for some time and when it became clear Villa were still in for me this summer, there was no doubt in my mind.

"I didn't want to go anywhere else.

"It's a boost as a player to know the manager rates you so highly and hopefully I can justify that faith with a few goals here next season.

"I know I'm not guaranteed a place. We have some good strikers - Juan Pablo Angel, Darius Vassell and young Luke Moore.

"But I'm determined to make my mark and show I can still get goals in The Premiership."