Manchester City have completed the signing of Aston Villa captain Fabian Delph on a five-year contract after meeting the required £8million release fee.

The England midfielder has been the subject of attention from City for much of the summer but he appeared to have put the transfer saga to bed last week when he confirmed he would be staying at Villa Park.

That all changed when he completed his medical at City on Friday and he is now ready to join his new team-mates on their pre-season tour of Australia.

City boss Manuel Pellegrini is delighted to have secured his man, just days after £49million winger Raheem Sterling signed on at the Etihad Stadium.

“At just 25 years old, he still has his best years ahead,” said the Chilean.”He is an excellent player, I am looking forward to working with him.”

The move is sure to come as a crushing blow for Villa Park boss Tim Sherwood, just a week after his captain had publicly assured him he would be staying at the club.

Sherwood is also facing up to losing number one striker Christian Benteke, with Liverpool having triggered the £32.5million release clause in the Belgian’s contract.

Delph said he had taken advice from a new arrival at Villa Park, Micah Richards, with the former City defender apparently encouraging him to make the move.

“Micah told me that as far as he is concerned, this is the best club in the world and he had the time of his life here,” Delph said.

Manchester City are 3.75 to win the Premier League next season while Aston Villa are 4.50 to be relegated to the Championship.