Stewart Downing has completed a £12m move from Middlesbrough to Villa on a four-year deal.
The crocked winger was at Bodymoor Heath on Wednesday to tie up terms and complete a medical and he is now a Villa player.
Downing, who will be out until October at the earliest with a foot injury, had been the subject of interest from Tottenham and Everton but he has chosen to join the predominantly English setup at Villa Park.
The England winger will be in competition with current Claret and Blue stars James Milner and Ashley Young for a first team slot, providing the latter remains at the club as his future is still in doubt.
Boro will undoubtedly be sad to lose a player of Downing's ability but Gareth Southgate will be the first to realise that the books must be balanced at The Riverside after last season's relegation to the Championship.
Villa boss O'Neill on the other hand, will now be continuing his search for much needed additions to his threadbare squad.
With the Gareth Barry funds now spent it remains to be seen just how much backing Chairman Randy Lerner will give the Northern Irishman during the rest of the summer.