Aston Villa have successfully bid for Blackburn goalkeeper and former U.S. international Brad Friedel.  Villa will pay the Rovers £2 million for the 37-year-old goaltender, who made 346 appearances in all competitions for Blackburn over the last seven seasons.  Should he agree to terms with Villa, Friedel will immediately step-in as the starting goaltender for Martin O’Neill, serving as a mentor for fellow American Brad Guzan.

Friedel is coming off a stellar year for Blackburn which saw him play a major role in the club’s seventh place finish.  He appeared in all forty-seven of Blackburn’s  matches last season, playing every minute.  Along with striker Roque Santa Cruz and midfielder David Bentley, Friedel formed the core of a team that finished just outside of qualification for European soccer.

Friedel has had a turmoltuous offseason after Mark Hughes left for Manchester City and was replaced by Paul Ince.  Two weeks ago, rumors speculated that Ince sought to replace Friedel.  Ince later affirmed his desire to keep the veteran goalkeeper.  Friedel later requested to move to Villa.  At Villa Park, Friedel would assume the starting position occupied last season by Scott Carson, who will be at West Brom this season.

In addition to being out of European football, Blackburn faces a potential rebuilding, with transfers of Santa Cruz and Bentley being speculated.  This along with a coaching change makes the move of the veteran goalkeeper likely.  Friedel would leave Ewood Park having established himself as one of the best keepers in club history.

Aston Villa remains alive for European football through the Intertoto Cup.