Blackburn Rovers FC

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Rovers accept Friedel offer

23 Jul 2008 - 17:49:29

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Blackburn Rovers have reportedly accepted an offer of £2million from Aston Villa for veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The 37-year-old had said last week that he was keen to end his eight-year association with Rovers.

Manchester City had also been linked with Friedel but Villa now appear favourites to land the former Liverpool shot-stopper.

Scott Carson had been Martin O'Neill's first-choice keeper last season but he has now signed for West Brom and Villa currently have only Thomas Sorensen and Stuart Taylor on their books.

O'Neill has also agreed a deal to bring another American keeper, Brad Guzan, to Villa Park, subject to the 23-year-old receiving a work permit.

Friedel signed a new two-year Ewood Park contract in February, but Rovers chairman John Williams had told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph last week: "We've had two bids for Brad, despite my insistence to the clubs concerned we didn't want them. They've been rejected.

"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.

"If he doesn't get his move, although disappointed, Brad is the ultimate professional and I'm confident he'll remain focused on Rovers."