Aston Villa confirmed Thursday that they have signed left-back Nicky Shorey from Reading.
Right-back Luke Young is expected to join him at Villa Park after Villa agreed a fee for him with Middlesbrough, the dpa reported.
Shorey, who has won two England caps, is cover for Wilfred Bouma, who dislocated an ankle in Villa's Intertoto Cup win over Odense.
"Strengthening the squad has obviously been in our minds for quite some considerable time," said manager Martin O'Neill.
"We have agreed a fee with Reading for Nicky Shorey - a quality natural left-back who played for England 18 months ago.
"Obviously the injury to Freddie (Bouma) has left a gaping hole on the left. Freddie had a wonderful season for us last year and this wasn't necessarily a priority for us before the injury.
"But Nicky Shorey is more than a back-up. He's a quality player on the ball and is up for the challenge."
Young will join if he can agree personal terms.
The fees for both players were undisclosed.