Italian giants Juventus today confirmed that Villa favourite Olof Mellberg will join them in the summer.

Juventus sporting director Alessio Secco publicly confirmed for the first time that the Swedish international would be signing a pre-contract agreement to join the Turin-based superpower.

Villa fans have been bracing themselves to lose the popular Mellberg after seven years at the club – and will be relieved that Juve appear to have abandoned attempts to lure him away before the January transfer window closes.

A rush of injuries at the Serie A club had triggered claims that Juve were ready to offer Villa £500,000 to take the player now as opposed to when his contract runs out in June.

But Secco said today: “Mellberg is close to signing a preliminary agreement with Juventus.

“If everything goes well, the player will become a Juve player in July.

“There are still minor things left to discuss before he signs the preliminary agreement.”