Aston Villa Football Club have secured the signature of Habib Beye.

The defender was always likely to quit Newcastle United following their relegation from the Premier League, and earlier this week it looked as though Hull City would sign him.

However, Martin O’Neill made his move for the 31-year-old, and on Friday it was confirmed that the fullback has penned a three-year deal with the Midlands side.

It is believed Villa paid around £2.6million for Beye, formerly of Marseille, who is expected to make his debut next weekend when Wigan Athletic provide the opposition for the first game of the season.