London  - Aston Villa completed the signing of full-back Stephen Warnock from Blackburn Rovers on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who joined for an undisclosed fee, has signed a four-year deal.

"The main aim is pushing for that top-four spot," Warnock told AVTV. "That's the ambition. The manager is buying some really talented players - young and ambitious - and I'm sure they will see that top-four spot as a target and goal.

"Playing in Europe is important - playing against the top players on the continent is fantastic - and there's no better stage to do that than on the Champions League. If we could do that, it would be a great achievement."

Villa are also understood to have agreed a fee to sign centre-back Richard Dunne from Manchester City.  (dpa)