Reading Football Club have completed the sale of Nicky Shorey to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

The clubs agreed a fee earlier today, and the left back then quickly passed a medical and completed all details of personal terms with the Midlands club.

He has signed a three-year deal for Martin O'Neill's side and links up with ex-Reading man Steve Sidwell, who joined from Chelsea this summer.

Manager Steve Coppell paid tribute to the 27-year-old defender, telling readingfc.co.uk, "In many ways I am very sorry to see Nicky go, but he had made his intentions clear for almost a year. We wish him well at Villa."

Shorey joined the Royals from Leyton Orient in 2001 for just £25,000 and totalled 296 appearances, scoring 12 goals in the process of his Madejski Stadium career.

He became an England international during his time here, and played in the first full international at the new Wembley against Brazil, and later against Germany as well.

Coppell has indicated this week he would like to sign a replacement as soon as possible as we head into the new Coca-Cola Championship season.

He has also said that any clubs wishing to sign players from us will pay a 'massive premium' once our season begins.

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