Shorey seals Villa move

The 27-year-old penned a two-year deal and becomes Villa boss Martin O'Neill's fourth new recruit of the summer, following the arrivals of fellow former Reading player Steve Sidwell and American goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan.

The England international, who has been capped twice, had been linked with a move away from Reading since their relegation to the Championship at the end of last season.

And with Wilfred Bouma currently out injured after dislocating his ankle in an Intertoto Cup match against Odense last month, Villa have been searching for cover in the left-back position.

O'Neill told the club's website: "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."

Shorey is expected to be joined shortly at Villa Park by Middlesbrough right-back Luke Young as O'Neill looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of the new season.

Villa open their campaign with a home game against Manchester City on Saturday.