Source: Daily_Mail
Aston Villa planning raid for Shay Given
Aston Villa are set to move for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given at the end of the season. [LNB]The Republic of Ireland stopper has endured a tough campaign at Eastlands after losing the No 1 jersey to Joe Hart. [LNB] In demand: Villa are among a host of clubs interested in City stopper Given [LNB]Given featured for City just four times, before undergoing surgery on his shoulder in February - an operation which is likely to keep him sidelined for the rest of the season. [LNB]City are keen to keep hold of Given, but the former Newcastle keeper is desperate to push through a transfer, and is likely to be granted his request. [LNB] Out in the cold: Friedel's contract expires at the end of the season [LNB]Aston Villa's current No 1 Brad Friedel is out of contract in the summer, and Gerard Houllier views Given as the ideal replacement for the veteran goalkeeper. [LNB]Given still has two years to run on his deal at Eastlands, and a transfer is likely to cost Villa in the region of ?5million. [LNB]Villa are unlikely to match City's ?80,000-a-week wages, but Given, 34, is said to be willing to take a pay-cut in a bid for first-team football. [LNB] Given undergoes shoulder surgery but is unlikely to play for Man City againGolden Oldies: Why are goalkeepers playing well into their 40s?Aston Villa FC news, features and opinion
