Bolton bolster squad with McCann signing

The 29-year-old midfielder was undergoing a medical at the Reebok Stadium and is thought to have cost Wanderers around £1million plus add-ons.

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He becomes manager Sammy Lee's second summer signing since taking over from Sam Allardyce.

Lee told the club's official website, www.bwfc.co.uk: "Gavin McCann is a positive signing for us.

"Gavin is an experienced campaigner who knows the Barclays Premier League inside out.

"He has all the attributes you need for the modern game - a good passing range, excellent touch on the ball and optimum energy levels to cope with the rigours of the domestic game and our European campaign.

"I want to bring in quality signings over the summer to add to our already excellent squad, and Gavin has quality in abundance.

"It is going to be a demanding campaign with the UEFA Cup and we need to have the right quality required to make a real first of every competition we enter.

"My philosophy is to create a culture where all players are fighting for their places.

"Competition for places across the squad is my objective, which will create a healthy environment going into the new campaign.

Former Sunderland player McCann had one year left of his deal with Villa.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill had indicated towards the end of last season the midfielder would be offered a new contract.

But he lost his place in the latter stages of the campaign to Craig Gardner and there was no guarantee he would be a first-team regular next term.

McCann joined Villa at the same time as goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen from the Black Cats in the summer of 2003.

He was one of then-Villa manager David O'Leary's first signings and the Irishman often described McCann as "an unsung hero", with his no-nonsense approach to the game and tough tackling.

McCann began the O'Neill regime as a first-team regular and was one of Villa's best players during the first half of the campaign.

But his form dipped in the New Year and he eventually made way for academy product Gardner.

With the promise of Gardner plus the expected arrival of Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham, it was obvious McCann would be down the pecking order next season.

The ex-Everton player also indicated he was keen to make a return to the north west and he still has a house in that area.

He joins Jlloyd Samuel in swapping Villa Park for the Reebok Stadium this summer.