Fulham have signed versatile defender Aaron Hughes in a £1million transfer from Aston Villa.

The Northern Ireland captain has agreed a three-year deal with the Cottagers and moves to Craven Cottage after spending two years at Villa following his switch from Newcastle.

The 27-year-old, who has 44 international caps, made 50 league starts at Villa Park but will now be reunited with former Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez in south-west London.

Hughes told Fulham's official website, www.fulhamfc.com: "I'm delighted to be joining Fulham and am looking forward to working with Lawrie Sanchez at club level.

"I enjoyed my time at Aston Villa but when this opportunity presented itself I had no hesitation in coming to discuss the manager's ambitions for the club, which obviously were of great interest to me.

"I'm happy to have signed before the start of pre-season, which gives me the opportunity of being with the lads on day one, when we come back to training next week."