Aston Villa are making a bid for Blackburn Rovers goalkeeper Brad Friedel.

The People says Villa boss Martin O'Neill hopes to clinch a shock £2.5 million move for the highly-rated American this week and persuade him to switch with a three-year contract.

Friedel could snatch a double-your- money salary and the guarantee of top-flight action until he hangs up his gloves and goes into management or coaching.