Friedel completes Villa switch

Aston Villa have signed Brad Friedel from Blackburn on a three-year contract.

While the midlands club are refusing to state the fee, it is believed to be around £2.5million.

Manchester City did express late interest in the American but Friedel confirmed his intention to join the Villa Park outfit.

The 37-year-old was given permission to speak with Villa by Blackburn last week but said they would only allow the move to go through once they had signed a replacement.

They achieved that aim on Friday by completing the capture of England international Paul Robinson and Villa were quick to take advantage.

The move brings to an end Friedel's eight-year association with Rovers, who he joined from Liverpool in 2000.

Blackburn reluctantly gave way to his request to leave in recognition of such long service.

While the deal did not go through in time for this evening's Intertoto Cup clash with Odense, Friedel is clear to play in the UEFA Cup should Villa get through.