Aston Villa are signing West Brom defender Curtis Davis on an initial loan deal.

The Guardian says Villa manager Martin O'Neill agreed a deal by which the West Bromwich Albion defender will join on a season-long loan before signing long-term next summer, when Villa will pay about £8.5m for him. But depending on appearance-related clauses that fee may eventually exceed £10m, beating the club's current record.

The unusual nature of the agreement might suggest O'Neill wants to assess Davies before signing him long-term but that is not the case, with Albion, not Villa, understood to prefer that the transfer is structured in such a way. There is no get-out clause for either club and Davies is certain to become Villa's player next summer. He has agreed personal terms and is expected to be confirmed as their latest recruit today.