Even after weeks of negotiations between Newcastle and Hull City for the services of defender Habib Beye, Premier League side Aston Villa became the team to sign the Senegalese defender. 

It had been previously reported that Hull City had agreed to terms with Newcastle but were yet to agree to personal terms with the player when Aston Villa came in at the ninth hour and stole him from under Hull City's nose.  Beye and Aston Villa have subsequebtly agreed to a three year deal however the amount of the deal was undisclosed.

"I was really happy when my agent told me Villa were interested. I just said, 'get it done'. I wanted to sign for this club.

"It's going to be great working for Martin O'Neill because Villa have a great team. I am so proud now to play here.

"It was important for me to stay in the Premier League and I am really happy I have with Villa. Newcastle are a massive club but everybody knows their problems at the moment.

"I think joining Villa is a great step for me. I signed my contract this afternoon and I'm really glad. I now hope I will be successful with Villa."