Wayne Routledge has struggled at Spurs

The 23-year-old former England under-21 star was regarded as one of the country's brightest prospects when he left Crystal Palace for Spurs in 2005.

But he has struggled with injury and had loan spells at Fulham and Portsmouth during his time at Spurs.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill also hopes to sign MLS keeper Brad Guzan from Chivas in another �2m transfer, subject to obtaining a work permit.

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Routledge has signed an 18-month deal at Villa after failing to establish himself at White Hart Lane.

The writing was on the wall after he suffered a broken foot on his league debut against Portsmouth, which sidelined him for four months.

He was loaned to Pompey in January 2006 and helped them avoid relegation from the Premier League and then last season temporarily joined Fulham as part of the deal which saw Steed Malbranque move to Spurs.

This season Routledge has made only two appearances for Tottenham - both in August against Everton and Derby - and will see a switch to Villa as the chance to resurrect his career.

Routledge's arrival gives O'Neill the natural right-sided player he has been lacking this season.