The 29-year-old would join in a deal worth in the region of £1m and Sammy Lee is looking forward to his arrival, saying: "He has all the attributes you need for the modern game - good passing range, excellent touch on the ball and optimum energy levels to cope with the rigours of both domestic game and our European campaign." McCann's departure is likely to free the way for Villa to up their pursuit of West Ham's Nigel Reo-Coker.