Soccer:Aston Villa appear to be closing in on the signing of Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given from Manchester City, in a deal expected to be worth around €4m.
Villa manager Alex McLeish has admitted the club are looking to strengthen this area, having lost previous custodian Brad Friedel to Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.
“There’s a goalie situation, we certainly need a goalkeeper,” said McLeish. “We’re looking at a few of them, and we are certainly making progress.
“We would like it to happen a bit quicker, but we are moving forward and keeping our options open.”
Given, Ireland’s record appearance holder with 113 caps, has had to endure a frustrating time at Man City, playing second fiddle to England’s Joe Hart.
He has also watched Keiren Westwood impress for Ireland while he was injured this year and needs a move after Sunderland snapped up the former Coventry City goalkeeper this summer.
Despite being 35 years old, Given will feel he has plenty of years left in him, and can look to Friedel and Edwin van der Sar – both 40 – for inspiration.
