Taylor signs

Former England Under-21 goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has become the second player this summer to leave Aston Villa for the City of Manchester Stadium - after a glowing testimonial from Villa No.1 Brad Friedel.

Friedel played under Blues boss Mark Hughes at Blackburn for three years, and Taylor revealed: "I talked to Brad for some advice and he couldn't speak highly enough of the manager and his goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock.

"He has a high regard for Kevin as a person as well as a coach and I can't wait to start. This is a fantastic club to be joining, a club that is going places with a great new owner and a manager I have a lot of respect for."

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A move which surely pre-empts confirmation of Joe Hart leaving the club for the 2009/10 season. There isn't a huge amount to say about the move. Taylor (surprisingly only 28) has been somewhat of a career back-up, but has proved an adept and capable goalkeeper when called upon.

An interesting note maybe in that Taylor has only signed a one-year deal, perhaps dismissing those rumours that Hart will not return to the club next summer.