Martin O’Neill is set to begin his rebuilding plans at Aston Villa by signing West Ham United and England Under-21 captain Nigel Reo-Coker in a deal worth £8million pounds.

The Guardian reports that Villa manager Martin O’Neill will complete the deal when he returns from his holiday today with the club’s bright ambitions under O’Neill proving crucial in pursuading Reo-Coker to make the move to the Midlands.

Reo-Coker has been a hate figure for much of the season at Upton Park following reports that he was unhappy at the club after failing to secure a move to Arsenal last August. He however remained an automatic choice and played a key part in West Ham’s great escape from relegation this season.