Aston Villa are closing in on Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given.
The Daily Mail says Villa's recently-appointed manager Alex McLeish has settled on Given as his preferred choice to replace Brad Friedel and is hopeful Villa's board can agree to match the Republic of Ireland keeper's £85,000-a-week Eastlands wages.
Villa hope to sign the Irishman for £5 million.
Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster was also under consideration by McLeish, but he's opted for Given.
