Villa sign N'Zogbia, West Brom gets a new goalie

Aston Villa signed Wigan midfielder Charles N'Zogbia, while local rival West Bromwich Albion brought in goalkeeper Ben Foster on a season's loan as Midlands clubs geared up on Friday for the coming Premier League season.

N'Zogbia, a 25-year-old France international, has signed a five-year contract with Villa and will be available for next Wednesday's preseason fixture against Derby.

Foster, who earlier this year ruled himself out of England duty, was signed by West Brom from neighbors Birmingham for the season with Boaz Myhill going in the opposite direction.

Foster joined Birmingham from Manchester United last year and played all 38 Premier League games in a season which saw the side relegated but also win the League Cup.