Harewood joins Villa
Harewood had a disappointing 2007, after a promising first season in the Premiership
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Tuesday, 17, Jul 2007 03:50
West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood has completed his transfer to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.
The 27-year-old has completed a medical and attended the Villa training ground today, where he watched his new team-mates train before signing a three-year contract.
Harewood has been edged out at Upton Park as a result of the club's expansive summer spending spree.
He also found first-team opportunities heavily restricted last season under new manager Alan Curbishley and was prompted to seek more opportunities to start elsewhere.
And while new boss Martin O'Neill says he is "delighted" with his new acquisition, he expects the striker to fight for his place in a strong roster of forward players at Villa Park.
"He's coming to join a squad. We've let some players go during the summer and we're now rebuilding the squad again," O'Neill told the Aston Villa website.
"Marlon's prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that's what we want at this football club. He's a confident lad who's willing to fight for his place."
O'Neill revealed that the Birmingham club had to fight off interest from several other parties in order to secure Harewood's services, with Manchester City and Portsmouth reportedly among the Premiership clubs interested.
"I know there were other teams wanting to take him, but he's prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the first team," the Villa boss continued.
"I'm delighted to have him. He's a strong lad, very athletic and if he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset."
Harewood joins former Hammers team-mate Nigel Reo-Coker in the Midlands, following his own £8.5 million move to Villa earlier this month.