Aston Villa Football Club News

• Nickname:The Villains
• Founded:1874
• Manager:Alex McLeish

• Ground:Villa Park
• Capacity:42,584

Villa land Davies on loan

31 Aug 2007 - 13:01:25

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Aston Villa have completed the signing of defender Curtis Davies from West Bromwich Albion, but not for a club record fee of £10million as expected.

The Baggies' former captain has joined the Premier League club on a season-long loan with a view to a permanent transfer next summer.

The England Under-21 international had been linked with Albion's Midlands rivals all summer and handed in a transfer request at The Hawthorns on the eve of the new season.

The 22-year-old is Villa's second defensive signing in three days after manager Martin O'Neill snapped up centre-half Zat Knight from Fulham for £3.5million on Wednesday.

"The supporters are well aware that Curtis wanted to leave the club and play in the Premiership," Albion boss Tony Mowbray told his club's official website.

"I want to thank him for his efforts and total commitment to the cause last season.

"However, since our (play-off final) defeat at Wembley, he clearly felt his future lay elsewhere.

"Although he's a player of undoubted quality, we only want players here who are fully committed to the cause, which is what I've stressed all summer.

"Curtis hasn't contributed during the first five games and, with there being plenty of competition for places in central defence. I think this deal suits all parties."

Davies joined the Baggies two years ago in a £3million transfer from Luton Town and made 73 appearances for the Championship club.