Schmeichel in shock City move

The 'Great Dane' is leaving Aston Villa after only one season with the Midlanders and has surprisingly opted to join Kevin Keegan's Division One champions.

The deal has been swiftly agreed, despite rival interest from Derby County's John Gregory, and will come as a shock to all at Old Trafford.

Keegan announced the signing soon after the 3-1 win over Gillingham on Saturday, and pledged that Schmeichel's arrival will actually be good news for Nicky Weaver and Carlo Nash, as they will learn from the 38-year-old's experience.

The City boss had revealed he wanted his transfer business done before the World Cup, and already has his number one for next season.

Schmeichel famously performed miracles to help earn Manchester United a 1-0 win at Newcastle during Keegan's tenure at St James' Park, which helped The Red Devils take a major step to overhauling the Tynesiders in the title race.

The former United idol has been speaking about his exit from Villa Park, in his native Denmark.

"It is not dramatic this," he revealed.

"I had a one-year contract with an option to extend it by one year.

"But neither Aston Villa nor myself have been interested in using the option.

"That Aston Villa now want to test Peter Enckelman for the rest of the season is just natural," he told Onside.

"After all, it's either him or they have to go out and buy a new keeper."

Keegan revealed it took only 20 minutes to convince Schmeichel to sign for the blue half of Manchester on a year's contract.

"He'll be playing for Manchester City next season," he stated.

"The deal is done.

"Subject to a medical, Schmeichel will be with us next season, and I'm delighted."