Premiership: Joachim eyes 'fresh start' with Sky Blues

Aston Villa striker Julian Joachim has blamed a lack of first-team opportunities for his imminent departure to Coventry.

Joachim is hoping for a fresh start with Coventry in a deal which could see City's Moroccan midfielder Mustapha Hadji move the other way.

Joachim has already held talks with the Sky Blues to discuss his part of the deal and he believes he can be a success at Highfield Road - if he can secure a regular starting spot.

"From my point of view it's a fresh start and I know I will get a lot of goals in the First Division," he said.

"I don't want to hang around at Villa where I'm not thought of as a regular first-team player."

Joachim expects the deal to finally be concluded soon and he insists City manager Gordon Strachan has made a big impression on him.

"I have talked to Gordon Strachan and been impressed by what he had to say. The transfer is close to conclusion," he added.