Source: Eurosport
Villa seal Collins deal
Aston Villa have completed the signing of West Ham defender James Collins, on a four-year contract.
The Welsh international put pen to paper with Villa after passing a medical and agreeing personal terms at the club's Bodymoor Heath training ground.
Villa are believed to be paying around £5million for Collins, who had recently also attracted interest from Stoke.
He is set to make his Villa debut in the Second City derby with Birmingham at St. Andrews on September 13.
It takes Villa boss Martin O'Neill's spending for the summer to £33million - and the figure could rise to nearly £40million if Richard Dunne completes his £6 million switch from Manchester City.
Collins said: "It's been a mad 24 hours since coming up here but I'm delighted to have it all sorted.
"I came on Monday and met the manager and had a look around. It's a fantastic setting. I just can't wait to get cracking now.
"Aston Villa is a massive club so, after coming here looking around the place and I'm friendly with a few of the boys as well, it didn't take a lot of persuading on my part."
Collins added: "I loved my time at West Ham but I believe I have taken a step forward.
"I have come to Aston Villa to improve as a player and hopefully improve their team. I'll be looking to do that straight away."
