Villa agree Reo-Coker fee

West Ham have agreed to sell Nigel Reo-Coker to Aston Villa for £8.5million.

The deal is still subject to the midfielder agreeing personal terms and passing a medical at Villa Park, but the London club expect the England Under 21 international to complete his move to the Midlands.

Reo-Coker endured a difficult time at Upton Park last season as he was targeted by the club's fans following a dismal campaign for The Hammers, and handed in a transfer request following the club's unlikely survival.

Villa had long been expected to seal the signing of the former Wimbledon trainee and were reported to have tabled a bid before the European Under 21 Championship in Holland, during which Reo-Coker excelled for Stuart Pearce's side.

Now Martin O'Neill will have the chance to discuss personal terms with Reo-Coker after agreeing a deal that signals Villa's intent to push for a European place next season.