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Blackburn accept Villa offer for Friedel

23/07/2008

Blackburn Rovers have announced they have accepted a bid from Aston Villa for veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

But Rovers will only sell the American stopper once they have had a bid of their own accepted for a replacement goalkeeper.

Friedel has been linked with a move to Martin O'Neill's side for some time as Villa look to replace Scott Carson – who returned to Liverpool following his season-long loan.

A statement from Rovers explained: "Blackburn Rovers have accepted a bid from a Premier League club for goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

"The transfer is conditional to Rovers having a bid for a goalkeeper at another club accepted."

Rovers have been linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur's out-of-favour goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently.

It now seems likely that a bid for whoever manager Paul Ince is targeting will come sooner rather than later to allow the Friedel deal to go through.

However, Rovers' potential bid for Robinson could be complicated by Spurs' interest in Blackburn midfielder David Bentley and the north London side may want to offer Robinson as part of a player-plus-cash deal.

Once Friedel's transfer goes through he will compete with compatriot Brad Guzan, who joined from Chivas USA at the start of the month, for the number one jersey.

Although the 37-year-old is likely to be first choice at Villa Park while Guzan acclimatises to the Premier League.

Friedel joined Blackburn from Liverpool in 2000 and has gone on to make 356 appearances for the Lancashire club.