Villa complete Harewood deal

Aston Villa have sealed the signing of Marlon Harewood from West Ham. Harewood had held talks with both Villa and Wigan Athletic but opted for the three-year deal offered by the west Midlands club.

Harewood is Martin O'Neill's second summer signing following team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham and the Villa manager is excited by the prospect of having the striker on-board.

"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", O'Neill told the clubs official website.

Despite only just surviving relegation last season, West Ham have let go of two of their biggest stars and must seek to replace them if the are to escape the drop again.