Manchester City have confirmed the £12 million capture of Gareth Barry from Aston Villa on a five-year contract.
In one of the swiftest deals of recent times, City opened talks early on Tuesday morning, before ushering Barry though a medical in the early evening.
City and Villa then settled on a £12 million fee, allowing Mark Hughes to nail down the England international to a five-year deal.
“Gareth is widely acknowledged as one of the top midfielders in the Premier League, and that is a recommendation in itself," Hughes told the club's official website.
"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.
“The experience required to compete with the best in the Premier League is vital, and with Gareth we get the experience of someone who has played week-in, week-out in the hardest league in the world. He plays at a level that has an impact on the game, and we are thrilled that he is joining us.
“I like players that have the sort of flexibility that enables you to change your tactics if you need during a game, and Gareth has that. He also has a range of passing that I’m keen to introduce to the team, and he has got great delivery at sets plays as well. He will bring a lot to City.
“I have spoken to him briefly, and I will do at greater length soon. It’s clear to everybody that being at City is going to be exciting in the future, and Gareth sees that.”
“I was looking to get a number of deals done as soon as possible, and we have had a great start with Gareth joining us. I hope we can conclude some more so that when we come back for pre-season training we have everybody fit & well and set for a successful campaign.”