Blackburn Rovers Football Club News

• Nickname:Rovers
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Steve Kean

• Ground:Ewood Park
• Capacity:31,367

Rovers vow to keep Friedel

12 Jul 2008 - 12:49:05

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Blackburn Rovers have vowed to fight to keep Brad Friedel at Ewood Park amid reported interest in the veteran goalkeeper from Manchester City and Aston Villa.

The Citizens, who are now managed by former Rovers boss Mark Hughes, are believed to be at the front of the queue to sign the American keeper.

But Villa are also keen on landing the 37-year-old former international number one, who continues to be one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League despite his advancing years.

Friedel signed a one-year contract extension earlier in the summer which ties him to the Lancashire club until 2010 and Rovers chairman John Williams insists they will fight to keep hold of the former Liverpool keeper.

Newly-installed manager Paul Ince has made the acquisition of a young goalkeeper one of his top priorities following his arrival, but still regards Friedel as his current number one choice.

"There is some interest but Paul Ince's wish is to start the season with Brad Friedel," Williams told the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

The Ohio-born keeper has made more than 350 appearances during eight years at Ewood Park.