Source: Daily_Mail
Collins completes £5m Villa move with Man City's Dunne poised to follow
Deal Hammered out: James Collins[LNB]Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of West Ham defender James Collins on a four-year contract.[LNB]The Wales international agreed personal terms and passed a medical with the midlands club this afternoon. [LNB]Villa have paid around £5million for Collins, who was immediately named in their squad for tonight's home reserve game, ironically against the Hammers. [LNB]He is set to make his full Villa debut in the Second City derby with Birmingham atSt. Andrews on September 13.[LNB]Collins looks set to be joined at Villa Park by Richard Dunne, as the Manchester City centre-back is having a medical ahead of a £6m move that should be finalised by the end of the transfer window at 5pm. [LNB]Stoke were also in the hunt to sign Collins who has won 28 caps for Wales. [LNB]Collins began has career with Cardiff, making his debut nine years ago and he made 86 appearances for the Bluebirds before moving to Upton Park in 2005 along with his team-mate Danny Gabbidon in a £3.5m joint deal. [LNB]The 26-year-old formed an effective partnership with Anton Ferdinand in helping the Hammers defy the odds to avoid relegation during the 2006-2007 campaign. [LNB]Collins was sidelined for nine months when he suffered a knee ligament injury in January 2008. [LNB]Republic of Ireland international Dunne is poised to end his nine-year spell at City. Dunne's days at Eastlands appeared numbered after the arrival of Kolo Toure from Arsenal and then Joleon Lescott from Everton. [LNB]Villa boss Martin O'Neill is desperate to sign experienced defenders after the retirement of skipper Martin Laursen and the sale of Zat Knight to Bolton. [LNB] Aston Villa are better off without Barry, says midfield maestro PetrovWhat have Manchester City Dunne? Richard's Aston Villa transfer surprises Curtis DaviesLIVE DEADLINE DAY: Follow all the latest football transfers as the window slams shutASTON VILLA FC
