Villa swoop for Shorey

Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of left-back Nicky Shorey from Reading on a three-year deal with Middlesbrough defender Luke Young expected to join him imminently.

Shorey, 27, is Villa's fourth summer signing and joins former Royals team-mate Steve Sidwell and goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan.

Both Shorey and Young headed to the midlands earlier on Thursday after Villa agreed fees with Reading and Middlesbrough.

Shorey had been expected to leave Reading since their relegation last season with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services.

The Londoner will fill the void left by Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated his ankle recently, and provide long-term competition for places.

O'Neill has made no secret of his desire to bolster the Villa squad and add strength in depth.

The former Celtic boss told the club's website, www.avfc.co.uk: "Strengthening the squad has obviously been in our minds for quite some considerable time.

"We have agreed a fee with Reading for Nicky Shorey - a quality natural left-back who played for England 18 months ago.

"Obviously the injury to Freddie (Bouma) has left a gaping hole on the left. Freddie had a wonderful season for us last year and this wasn't necessarily a priority for us before the injury.

"But Nicky Shorey is more than a back-up. He's a quality player on the ball and is up for the challenge."