Villa close in on defensive pair

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Both players are also set for medicals in the West Midlands on Thursday as manager Martin O'Neill looks to end his protracted search for re-enforcements in the full-back positions.

A statement on club website avfc.co.uk said: "Villa are set for talks with England full-backs Luke Young and Nicky Shorey after agreeing fees with Middlesbrough and Reading respectively. Both players are due to have medicals and talk terms."

Shorey had been expected to leave Reading since their relegation last season, with a number of clubs reportedly interested in his services.

The Londoner, who has two senior England caps, will fill the void left by Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated his ankle recently, and provide long-term competition for places.

Middlesbrough earlier confirmed they had agreed a fee for some-time England right-back Young, 29.

Young has spent just a season at the Riverside Stadium following his move from Charlton but now looks set to start the season with Villa, who are desperate for cover on either side of their defence.

Young cost Boro a cut-price £2.5million after the Addicks' relegation last year, but manager Gareth Southgate is likely to have negotiated a profit on a player who impressed in an inexperienced back four last year.

If the player can agree terms, he will finally provide Villa with a first-choice right-back after the departure of last year's incumbent, Olof Mellberg, who has since left the club for Juventus.