Villa swoop for free agent Sutton

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BIRMINGHAM, England -- Aston Villa signed former England striker striker Chris Sutton on a free transfer on Tuesday until the end of the season.

The 33-year-old was a free agent after leaving Villa's relegated city rivals Birmingham at the end of last season.

Sutton joined Birmingham from Scottish giants Celtic where he scored 86 goals in six seasons, mostly under Martin O'Neill who became Villa manager at the start of the current campaign.

Sutton will compete with Juan Pablo Angel, Milan Baros, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Luke Moore for a place in attack.

However, Moore has a shoulder injury and may need surgery.

Sutton, who played once for England, also had spells at Chelsea, Norwich and Blackburn, where he won the 1995 Premier League title.

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