Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Birmingham City goalkeeper Ben Foster.
The Daily Express says Foster, suddenly one of English football's most wanted men, is set to join Aston Villa as a replacement for Brad Friedel.
Even though Aston Villa have yet to appoint a new manager to replace Gerard Houllier, they have targeted Birmingham goalkeeper Foster to succeed Friedel, who quit Villa Park yesterday to join Tottenham.
But Foster, 28, is wanted not only by Villa. Several other Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Foster, who joined Birmingham from Manchester United a year ago for £6million.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is thought to be considering a move and others are awaiting confirmation at what price he will be available, including Stoke, where he once had a successful loan spell.
