NICKY Shorey has moved to Aston Villa from Reading on a three-year contract to become Villa`s fourth summer signing.The 27-year-old Shorey joins former Royals teammate Steve Sidwell and goalkeepers Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan. Shorey headed to the midlands earlier on Thursday after Villa agreed an undisclosed fee with Reading.
And after agreeing personal terms, the twice-capped England player has signed for Martin O`Neill`s side.
Shorey had been expected to leave Reading since their relegation last season with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services.
The Londoner will fill the void left by Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated his ankle recently, and provide long-term competition for places.
O`Neill has made no secret of his desire to bolster the Villa squad and add strength in depth.
The former Celtic boss said "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."
Agence France-Presse
