Villa hopeful of Dunne deal

Aston Villa hope to confirm the signing of Manchester City defender Richard Dunne later today when the paperwork on the deal is verified by the Premier League.

The club submitted all the relevant documents before 4pm yesterday and the Football Association are satisfied with what has been presented to them.

However, the huge workload involved in processing transfers at Premier League headquarters means officials have asked for more time to ratify the £6m deal.

When Dunne’s move is confirmed he will join fellow new signing James Collins at the heart of Villa’s defence after he completed a £5m transfer.

Everton completed a £6m deal, which could rise to £7m, for Atletico Madrid defender Johnny Heitinga, who has signed a five-year deal.

Manager David Moyes said: “He is an experienced and versatile player who can hopefully fill a number of different positions in the team.

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was reunited with yet another Portsmouth player after signing Croatia midfielder Niko Kranjcar for £2.5m.