Villa to hold Friedel talks

Jul 25, 2008 - 1:56 PM BIRMINGHAM, England (Ticker) -- Aston Villa has been given permission by Blackburn to speak to veteran American goalkeeper Brad Friedel, Villans boss Martin O'Neill confirmed on Friday.

The 37-year-old signed a contract extension at Ewood Park in February but has repeatedly been linked with Aston Villa in recent weeks.

"We've been given permission to talk to the player and that's something that we want to do. But there are still lots of things to happen," O'Neill told www.avfc.co.uk.

"We're in the process of strengthening the squad and this is all part of our efforts to add strength in depth."