Shay Given emerges as Villa target
Wednesday 29th June 2011, 11:00AM BST.
Villa manager Alex McLeish today stepped up his bid to sign a goalkeeper – but it will not necessarily be Manchester City’s Shay Given.
Speculation increased last night that Given was on the verge of a £5million switch to Villa after some bookmakers suspended betting on him joining the claret and blues.
But it is understood that no deal to bring the 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international is imminent, with McLeish still mulling over his options.
The search to find a replacement for Brad Friedel, who was at Bodymoor Heath last week to say his final goodbyes to some of the club staff, depends on whether Villa can find the right player for the right price.
Birmingham’s Ben Foster is his thought to be McLeish’s preferred option, but he is reluctant to raid his former club so soon after making the controversial switch to Villa.
Bolton goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi is another potential candidate after sources in the North West claimed that Wigan have ended their interest in signing the Oman international, who was on loan with the Latics last season, because of a disagreement over his valuation, which could open the door on a move to the Midlands.
One player definitely keen on a move to Villa is Robert Green, who has previously sounded out what life is like at the club through former Norwich team-mate Andy Marshall, with who he remains close friends.
The other possibilities are Monaco’s Stephane Ruffier and Glasgow Rangers’ Allan McGregor, although McLeish is keen on filling the position with an established Premier League performer.
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Great signing if you can get him, still one of the best keepers in the premier league.
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Robert green would be my choice ,with Foster second choice.
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