Habib Beye revealed his heart was set on a move to Villa when the club showed an interest in him.

Beye insists joining the claret and blue troops is a "great step" and a proud moment in his career.

He told AVTV: "I think Villa is a great football club.

"I was really happy when my agent told me Villa were interested. I just said 'get it done.' I wanted to sign for this club.

"It's going to be great working for Martin O'Neill because Villa have a great team. I am so proud now to play here.

"It was important for me to stay in the Barclays Premier League and am really happy I have with Villa.

"Newcastle are a massive club but everybody knows the problems at the moment. But I think joining Villa is a great step for me.

"I signed my contract this afternoon and I am really glad. I now hope I will be successful with Villa."