Aston Villa have been granted permission to begin talks with Blackburn keeper Brad Friedel.

Villa have already seen a £2million offer accepted by their Premier League rivals and were waiting to be given the green light to discuss personal terms.

With Rovers closing in on England international Paul Robinson, Martin O’Neill confirmed that discussions with the veteran American shot-stopper will now be held as soon as possible.

“We’ve been given permission to speak to the player and that’s something that we want to do,” the Ulsterman told the club’s official website.

“But there are still a lot 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.”

Ref From skysports.com

Sky Sports News reports that Blackburn Rovers have accepted a bid from Aston Villa for goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The 37-year-old has stated his intention to move away from Ewood Park this summer, with his new manager Paul Ince reluctant to see him go without securing a replacement.

However, after seeing the player courted heavily by Aston Villa for the past number of days, it seems as though Ince has relented, and a fee in the region of £2million has been agreed by the clubs.

Manchester City were also keen on signing the American, who announced his plans to quit Blackburn after four unbroken top flight seasons.

Ince could turn to Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Paul Robinson as a replacement for the Villa-bound Friedel.

Ref From Peter Staunton - goal.com