Goalkeeper Stuart Taylor has become the latest Villa player to join Premier League rivals Manchester City.

The 28-year-old, who was third choice at Villa Park behind American duo Brad Friedel and Brad Guzan, has followed in the footsteps of Gareth Barry in making the move to Eastlands.

He arrives to provide cover for Shay Given, after previous second choice Joe Hart was allowed to join Birmingham on a season-long loan.

Free agent Taylor even sought the advice of claret and blue number one Brad Friedel, who played under City boss Mark Hughes at Blackburn, before deciding to make the journey up the M6.

Taylor said: “I talked to Brad for some advice, 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.”

City boss Hughes is pleased with his latest capture from Villa Park.

He said: “We are delighted to be able to add a goalkeeper of Stuart’s undoubted calibre to the squad. He is still a fairly young goalkeeper at 28, but he provides a wealth of experience and reliability.”