Aston Villa announce signing of Stoke icon

Aston Villa have followed up on the signing of Ahmed Elmohamady by bringing Stoke's Glenn Whelan down the road to Birmingham.

The midfielder will likely back up Mile Jedinak in the middle of the park.

Here is the official word from AVFC:

The 33-year-old arrives following nine years in the Potteries with spells at Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday previously.

Whelan was a regular under both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes and was a huge fan favourite due to his industry and tenacity.

He has also been capped over 80 times by the Republic of Ireland.

He said: “I have enjoyed happy times at Stoke City but now is the time for a new football adventure – and what a club to join in Aston Villa.

“We may be in the Championship but everything about this club screams Premier League – and it’s the job of the players to get us back up there"