Dunne targets Champions League

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Dunne on Wednesday finally joined Martin O'Neill's side in a £6million deal from Manchester City, despite passing his medical and the two clubs having agreed the fee five days ago.

"Aston Villa have improved each season recently, and hopefully I can be part of a squad that can challenge for a Champions League spot," said Dunne on AVTV.

Speculation regarding the delay centred around the fact Dunne was negotiating a pay-off from a club he had served for the last nine years, and with a testimonial in the offing.

But with the Premier League now granting clearance after sifting through the backlog of transfers following a hectic deadline day, centre-back Dunne is a Villa player.

Despite losing their opening-day game at home to Wigan and crashing out of the Europa League to Rapid Vienna, Dunne firmly believes the club has the potential to clinch a Champions League place for next season.

The 52-times-capped Republic of Ireland international, who has signed a four-year deal, said: "I'm delighted. It's a great opportunity for me.

"With Aston Villa, with the experience they would have gained from last season - they went so close for so long at the top end and the manager has bought in some new players into the squad this year - maybe it might help us go that bit further."

Dunne, who turns 30 on the 21st of this month, was relieved that what proved to be a surprisingly protracted move was finally done and dusted.

"I came on Friday and passed my medical and I thought it would be a straightforward day for me," he added. "I think there was just a lot of pressure on a lot of people with so many deals going through, but I'm just really pleased that finally we have it all done."