Dunne wants to help Villa take next step
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Your support makes all the difference.New signing Richard Dunne is convinced Aston Villa can break into the Premier League's top four this season. Dunne yesterday finally joined Martin O'Neill's side in a £6m deal from Manchester City, despite passing his medical and the two clubs having agreed the fee five days ago.
Speculation regarding the delay was based on the fact the centre-half was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and where he had a testimonial in the offing. But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, Dunne is a Villa player.
Dunne, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me. Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot.
"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season – they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought some new players into the squad this year – maybe it might help us go that bit further."
Dunne, who turns 30 this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted. "I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he said. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."
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