Aston Villa have completed the signing of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood for an undisclosed fee.

Harewood has been the subject of bids from Birmingham City and Wigan, but he hass opted to join Villa.

Villa boss Martin O’Neill said: “Other teams wanted him but he’s prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the team.

“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,” added O’Neill. “We’ve let some players go during the summer and we’re now rebuilding the squad again.

“Marlon’s prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that’s what we want at this football club. He’s a confident lad who’s willing to fight for his place.”

Harewood scored 56 goals in 178 games for the Hammers after joining from Nottingham Forest for £500,000 in November 2003.