Experienced Manchester City and Republic of Ireland centre back Richard Dunne is poised to join Aston Villa imminently.

Villains boss Martin O'Neill has been desperate to fill the void left by the retired Martin Laursen and departed Zat Knight. It seems as if he may well have got his man in the form of Richard Dunne.

O'Neill has been disappointed during the transfer window by numerous failed bids and what he sees as the blatant overpricing of players. It seems though that every cloud has its silver lining as one of the teams guilty of helping push the prices of players up, Manchester City, have accepted a bid for their experienced captain.

Dunne, 29, joined The Citizens in 2000 from Everton. He was something of a fan favourite at the club and won the player of the year award on four consecutive occasions during his spell there. The no-nonsense stopper has also captained the side for the past 3 seasons.

With fellow centre backs Kolo Toure and Joleon Lescott brought into the Man City squad during the window Dunne knows that first team opportunities will be seldom for him at Eastlands.

The lure of first team football at Villa Park is sure to tempt the player into making the switch, but with press reports stating that the deal is already complete, Villa boss Martin O'Neill was reluctant to jump the gun with the transfer.

O'Neill has stated "I am optimistic, but we must wait until the contract is signed.

Richard likes the place. Whatever you say, leaving Manchester City is still a big thing. It’s been part of his life now for quite a considerable time.’ he told The Mail.