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Aston Villa seal Dunne signing

  • Story Highlights
  • Aston Villa seal signing of Richard Dunne from Manchester City
  • $9.7 million deal was completed in final moment's Tuesday's deadline day
  • Villa also sign Welsh international central defender James Collins
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(CNN) -- Aston Villa have sealed the signing of Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne from Manchester City after their last-minute transfer deadline day deal.

Dunne will be hoing to get his hands on more silverware with his new club Aston Villa.

Dunne will be hoing to get his hands on more silverware with his new club Aston Villa.

Villa were always confident of landing the central defender, but English Premier League officials asked for more time to make sure the paperwork was in order.

The midlands club received official confirmation on Wednesday, with Dunne becoming their second defensive signing after Welsh international James Collins joined from West Ham for $9.37 million.

Central defender Dunne, who cost Villa a reported $9.7 million, was relieved that the deal had received the stamp of approval.

"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," he told the official Aston Villa Web site www.avfc.co.uk.

Dunne could make his debut against Villa's arch-rivals Birmingham after the international break on September 13.

"Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot," he added.

Dunne was deemed surplus to requirements at big-spending Manchester City where he spent nine years.

The arrival of Kolo Toure and then Joleon Lescott from Everton towards the end of the transfer window hastened his departure.

Villa, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season, were keen to strengthen in central defense after captain Martin Laursen retired and Zat Knight was sold to Bolton.

Dunne has won 52 international caps for the Republic of Ireland.

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