Cottage move for Villa's Hughes
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Fulham have made their first signing of the close season, bringing in defender Aaron Hughes in a £1million transfer from Aston Villa.
The versatile Northern Ireland international, who can play either in central defence or at full-back, has agreed a three-year deal with the Cottagers in a move which sees him reunited with former international manager Lawrie Sanchez in the capital.
The 27-year-old moves to Craven Cottage after two years at Villa which saw him make 50 league starts although he failed to score during his time in the midlands.
Hughes had joined Villa after spending the first nine years of his career at Newcastle before a £1million switch.
Now, Hughes is looking forward to once again working with the former Wimbledon player and told Fulham's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining Fulham and am looking forward to working with Lawrie Sanchez at club level.
"I enjoyed my time at Aston Villa but when this opportunity presented itself I had no hesitation in coming to discuss the manager's ambitions for the club, which obviously were of great interest to me.
"I'm happy to have signed before the start of pre-season, which gives me the opportunity of being with the lads on day one, when we come back to training next week."
Sanchez welcomed Hughes to the capital and praised his leadership skills.
"I am delighted that we have been able to bring Aaron to Fulham. As my captain whilst I was manager of Northern Ireland, I saw his obvious leadership skills and his qualities as a player which are widely recognised, so I'm delighted that he becomes my first signing of the summer.
"He'll bring some much-needed depth to the squad and a level of commitment and tenacity that forms an integral part of my philosophy for next season's campaign."
Hughes' Villa team-mate, midfielder Steven Davis, is also reportedly close to joining Fulham. -
fulham are going down next season.
good luck to the players joining them -
Northern Irishmen all flock to Fulham because or Sanchez.
Cheers.
CK -
although i prefer delaney but i see hughes as a good back up and delaney's injury prone now.....
pls dun go davis......it'll be a mistake....