Villa secure N'Zogbia deal

Aston Villa have secured the signing of Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia for a fee of £9.5m.

The Frenchman, who normally plays on the wing, will head to Villa Park presumably to help the club cope with the departure of Ashley Young and Stuart Downing.

New Villa boss Alex McLeish needs a new winger, but will take nothing for granted after failing to sign N’Zogbia when Birmingham boss last summer.

The deal also suits Wigan as N’Zogbia could have left them for nothing next summer when his current contract runs out, although a transfer now will depend on club owner Dave Whelan giving his seal of approval.

N’Zogbia will hold talks over personal terms in the next 24 hours and undergo a medical before signing what is expected to be a five-year deal.

He would be likely to have to wait to join up with Villa’s first-team squad.

McLeish’s team are currently on a pre-season tour of Hong Hong and N’Zogbia does not have the required work visa.