Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has finally won the battle to sign Celtic midfielder Stilian Petrov who has joined the midlands club in an 8million deal.

The Bulgarian international has moved to Villa Park for an initial 6.5million but the add-ons could see the eventual figure rise by a further 1.5million. Portsmouth were also interested in signing Petrov but their manager Harry Redknapp conceded on Monday that Villa had won the race for his signature.

O'Neill was desperate to bolster his squad with a quality signing before the transfer window closes at midnight on Thursday and Petrov fits the bill.