Aston Villa finally completed the signing of Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne from Manchester City.
Villa were unable to announce the Dunne deal before the transfer window closed on Tuesday as the Premier League asked for more time to ratify the paperwork.
Dunne, who cost Villa a reported £6 million becomes Villa’s second backline signing after Wales international James Collins signed from West Ham for £5 million on Tuesday.
“I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I’m just really pleased that finally we have it all done,” said Dunne.
“Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot.
“With the experience they would have gained from last season – they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year – maybe it might help us go that bit further.”
Dunne’s nine-year stay at City was in doubt after the club signed Kolo Toure from Arsenal and Joleon Lescott from Everton.
“It would have been difficult for Dunney to stay given his standing at the club and I understand that,” City boss Mark Hughes said.
“I wasn’t going to stand in his way. I could have tried to stop him going and said I wanted him as a squad player but out of respect for what he has done for City I wasn’t going to do that.”
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