Curtis Davies hopes Aston Villa can sign Manchester City defender Richard Dunne today.

The defender said: "I am surprised that City are edging him (Dunne) out of the door."

He added: "As much as they have made signings, Stephen Ireland has been one of their best players but, after him, Richard Dunne has to be up there.

"He has been a stalwart. He has played with a lot of different centre-halfs but he has always looked good. It is strange they are looking to let him go - but he would be a good addition here.

"There loss would be our gain because his experience is untold - but has still got enough in the tank to play for a few more years.

"He is an old style centre-half in being very solid and very strong.

"He is a decent reader of the game and wins a lot of headers but, at the same time, when the ball is at his feet, he can still pass it.

"He is a good footballer and his quality would add to our squad."