Villa complete deal for Harewood

Harewood suffered a disappointing season in 2006/07

Aston Villa have completed the signing of West Ham striker Marlon Harewood for an undisclosed fee.

The 27-year-old was thought to be on the brink of joining Wigan, but has now agreed a three-year deal at Villa Park.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said: "Other teams wanted him but he's prepared to come here and challenge to try and work his way into the team.

"If he can recapture the form he showed in the two seasons before last, he will definitely be a big asset."

Harewood had been told he was surplus to requirements at Upton Park and Birmingham had a bid rejected for the former Nottingham Forest man in June.

He scored 56 goals in 178 games for the Hammers after joining from Forest for £500,000 in November 2003.

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The Hampstead-born striker was one of the successes of the Hammers' first season back in the top flight in 2005-06 when he scored 16 goals.

But the striker netted just four times in 35 appearances last time around.

"He's coming to join a squad," added O'Neill. "We've let some players go during the summer and we're now rebuilding the squad again.

"Marlon's prepared to come in here and battle for his place and that's what we want at this football club."

Harewood was happy to follow Nigel Reo-Coker in leaving Upton Park for Villa this summer.

Villa finished last season strongly and I know the aim is to get into Europe this time around. Hopefully I can play my part in that Marlon Harewood

"I'm delighted to join Villa and I think I've come at a really exciting time for the club," he told the club's website.

"The manager is aiming high next season and it's great to be part of his plans.

"I want to recapture the form I showed a couple of seasons ago, when West Ham got into the cup final and we did so well in the league.

"My mate Nigel Reo-Coker has already signed and I know all about his qualities, so I'm just really pleased to be on board.

"Villa finished last season strongly and I know the aim is to get into Europe this time around. Hopefully I can play my part in that."