Friedel set for surprise Liverpool return

Brad Friedel is set to reject a new one-year deal at Aston Villa in order to complete a surprise return to Liverpool.

The American goalkeeper is out of contract at Villa Park this summer, and has been attracting interest from a host of Premier League clubs.

Tottenham and West Bromwich Albion have both made approaches for the 40-year-old, but Friedel is keen on a return to Anfield, and is close to agreeing a two-year contract as Kenny Dalglish looks to add an experienced back-up 'keeper to provide competition to first-choice Pepe Reina.

Australian Brad Jones, who spent the second half of the season on loan at Championship side Derby, is expected to leave the club this summer, while youngsters Peter Gulacsi and Martin Hansen are unlikely to be considered for extended first-team duty at this stage.

Friedel made 31 appearances for the Reds after joining the club from MLS side Columbus Crew in December 1997, but failed to establish himself as first choice, leaving the club to join Blackburn Rovers in November 2000.

He featured in Villa's 1-0 win over the Reds on Sunday, setting a Premier League record with his 266th consecutive appearance, in what looks like being his final game for the Midlanders.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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