Villa agree Friedel fee

Blackburn accept £2million offer for American

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 23rd July 2008

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Friedel: Wanted at Villa

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

The veteran American shot-stopper has been at Ewood Park for the past eight years but he told the club earlier this month that he wanted to move on.

Manchester City had also been linked with Friedel but Villa have now taken a big stride towards signing him.

Bringing in a new, experienced keeper has been a priority for Martin O'Neill this summer, with a deal having been agreed for Friedel's compatriot Brad Guzan.

Scott Carson was O'Neill's first choice between the posts last term but he returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan spell and has since joined West Bromwich Albion.

Villa will now be hoping to finalise the transfer of Friedel, who has been one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League over the last decade.

Friedel's departure would leave a huge void at Blackburn and manager Paul Ince is likely to turn his attention to finding a replacement as quickly as possible.