Manchester City have completed the signing of Aston Villa captain Gareth Barry in a £12 million deal.
The England international has penned a five-year contract at Eastlands after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
Barry's contract at Villa was due to expire next summer and although Villa offered him a new deal, he has opted to make the move to ambitious City.
He told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go.
"There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."
The 28-year-old becomes City's first signing of the summer and his arrival is a major boost for City boss Hughes as he looks to build a side capable of breaking into the top four.
"Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and that is a recommendation in itself," noted Hughes.
"When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them, so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.
"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game, and we are thrilled that he is joining us."
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The England international has penned a five-year contract at Eastlands after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.
Barry's contract at Villa was due to expire next summer and although Villa offered him a new deal, he has opted to make the move to ambitious City.
He told the club's official website: "I'm delighted to be joining City. It didn't take much persuasion from Mark Hughes, they are heading in the direction I want to go.
"There is great potential here, and I'm sure there will be a few more additions to the squad this summer."
The 28-year-old becomes City's first signing of the summer and his arrival is a major boost for City boss Hughes as he looks to build a side capable of breaking into the top four.
"Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and that is a recommendation in itself," noted Hughes.
"When players of his quality become available then you have to be in the market for them, so we are absolutely delighted that we have been able to conclude this deal.
"He plays at a level that has an impact on the game, and we are thrilled that he is joining us."
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