Aston Villa have won the race to sign Stoke City’s Glenn Whelan.
Villa have been tracking Whelan for some time, after making the Republic of Ireland international one of their top targets.
Derby County were said to be competing to sign Whelan, but they have pulled out of a deal now.
Derby feel that they have other options to pursue, with Gary Rowett’s attention set to turn elsewhere.
Villa are now confident of completing a deal to sign Whelan before the end of the month, after beating off all the competition for the experienced campaigner.
The claret and blues are set to offload some of their fringe players, before announcing Whelan’s arrival, to ensure there is room for him in Steve Bruce’s squad.
Villa have made one signing so far this summer, with John Terry arriving on a free transfer, following the expiration of his contract at Chelsea.
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