Aston Villa’s hopes of signing Grant Hanley have been given a boost with Derby County opting to sign Curtis Davis from Hull.
As well as being expected to mount a serious challenge for promotion next season Derby were strongly linked with the out of favour Newcastle defender.
Rafa Benitez spent £5m signing Hanley from Blackburn a year ago but is prepared to let the defender move on as he looks to bring in Premier League quality players for next season.
Hanley made his name as a committed defender at Blackburn Rovers who suffered relegation after he departed for St James’ Park last year.
Steve Bruce has put an emphasis on buying British to build a promotion chasing side and knows that Hanley can cope with the demands of a marathon Championship campaign.
Despite not being a first pick for Newcastle Hanley was a useful squad member with Bruce impressed by the leadership qualities of the Scotland defender.