Aston Villa FC

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Villa to open Friedel talks

25 Jul 2008 - 14:13:18

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Aston Villa have confirmed that they have been given permission to talk to Blackburn Rovers' veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The two clubs are reported to have agreed a £2million fee for the 37-year-old USA international, who recently surprised Rovers by confirming that he would welcome a move.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "We've been given permission to talk to the player and that's something that we want to do, but there are still lots of things to happen.

"We're in the process of strengthening the squad and this is all part of our efforts to add strength in depth."

A disappointed Rovers chairman, John Williams, said last week: "When Brad told us he wanted to leave, it was a bolt out of the blue.

"He'd only signed his latest contract back in February and a replacement keeper hasn't even been on our radar.

"We haven't earmarked any funds for the goalkeeping department. Why would we? And on the football side, Brad Friedels don't grow on trees."

Friedel has been with Rovers for nearly eight years, having previously played in the Premier League with Liverpool.