Villa in for Carson

After missing out on signing Hearts' Craig Gordon Villa boss Martin O'Neill again turned his attention to Liverpool's Scott Carson. Although the Reds were reluctant to allow Carson to leave, they have relented as the England under 21's international wants to be playing regular football to boost his chances of getting in the England squad ahead of the European Championships.

The loan deal will cost Aston Villa £2.5m and they must pay all of Carson's wages for the season. Under Premiership regulations Carson will not be eligible to face Liverpool on the opening day of the season.