Aston Villa have completed the signings of Reading left-back Nicky Shorey and Middlesbrough right-back Luke Young.

Both players are England internationals and will provide a major boost to Villa's defensive options.

A host of clubs were keen on Shorey, 27, following Reading's relegation last season and the player has signed on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee.

Middlesbrough are expected to make a profit on Young, 29, who joined them from Charlton for £2.5m last summer.

Young discussed personal terms and underwent a medical.

 "I'm really pleased to be here at Villa. It's happened quite quickly," said Luke Young.
"I think at the minute Villa are a notch above Boro, and there's a great opportunity for me to play European football as well."

Villa boss Martin O'Neill said Young was the "natural" right-back the club had needed to solve what was a problematic position last season. "The right-back position caused us a few problems for us last season in terms of us not having a natural right-back," he said. "Luke is a natural right-back and played for England not so long ago. He did very well for Boro last season and this is a great opportunity for him."

Shorey said: "I can achieve all my ambitions at this football club."
"Obviously I talked to the manager and he's very positive and ambitious. That's what I am. I want to get back into the Premier League and show people what I can do.