Villa agree fee for Bellamy and Hughes

Aston Villa could be poised to make their second and third signings of the summer after agreeing a combined fee for Newcastle pair Craig Bellamy and Aaron Hughes.

Having already wrapped up a deal for Patrik Berger, who will join on a free transfer from Portsmouth in July, boss David O’Leary has acted swiftly in an effort to make further additions.

Striker Bellamy had a public fall-out with Graeme Souness in January and has been told he will never play for Newcastle again, but his form since joining Celtic on loan on deadline day has put him in the shop window.

Defender Hughes has made more than 250 appearances for Newcastle and won 40 caps for Northern Ireland.

No details of the fee have yet been released.