Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier to decide whether to extend Brad Friedel's contract in New Year

23 December 2010 11:35
Aston Villa boss Gerard Houllier will decide on veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel's future in February.[LNB]Houllier is looking to the future and has already confirmed Villa have watched Rangers number one Allan McGregor.[LNB]He is also keeping an eye on Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller.[LNB] Still one of the best: Villa goalkeeper Brad Friedel[LNB]Friedel is 39 and is close to become Villa's oldest ever player - he iscurrently only behind right-back Ernest Callaghan, who played for theclub in the 1940s.[LNB]His contract expires at the end of the season and his Villa future will be sorted out in a couple of months time.[LNB]Houllier, who met club owner Randy Lerner on Wednesday, said: 'We are looking at several goalkeepers - and we've told Brad.[LNB]'We're looking for a keeper for the future. If Brad is fine in February, then we will keep him. We've told him that, if he feels okay.[LNB]'I've spoken to him and said "obviously, you're 39, so I need to look to the future but I'm perfectly happy with you".[LNB]'And, if he feels fine, why not? We'll ask him in February. If he feels alright, we'll keep him.[LNB]'If he stays, he'll stay as the first-team keeper.'[LNB]Decisions, decisions: Villa boss Houllier[LNB]Friedel will pass Callaghan's record of 39 years and 257 days if heplays against Manchester United on February 1 at Old Trafford.[LNB]Houllier also confirmed midfielder Steve Sidwell is close to completinga move to West Ham and that there had also been interest from Wolves.[LNB]He said: 'Steve is having a medical. He's at the end of his contract(next summer) and it's not a secret that he lives in London.[LNB]'Otherwise I think Wolves would have been interested in signing him.'[LNB]Meanwhile, the Villa midfield duo of skipper Stiliyan Petrov and FabianDelph are making rapid progress after lengthy injury lay-offs withankle and knee setbacks respectively.[LNB]There is an outside chance the pair could even be named among thesubstitutes for the Boxing Day clash with Tottenham at Villa Park.[LNB]Houllier said: 'It think it's a bit too early but I'll see. I can't say yes or no yet.[LNB]'The good news is that Delph seems to be taking part in practically allour training sessions which is a good sign and a good omen.[LNB]'Petrov is back and been in full training last week and this week.'[LNB] Aston Villa looking for loan deals in January, admits Houllier, as financial reality hits homeLerner still dedicated to the cause! Villa chief dismisses ambition doubts[LNB] [LNB]  Explore more:People: Gerard Houllier, Stiliyan Petrov Places: London

Source: Daily_Mail