Brad Friedel has told Aston Villa he is willing to leave in January if the club sign a new keeper after his contract talks were put on hold, reports the Daily Mirror. The 39 year old is one of Villa's big earners on over £40,000-a-week after joining from Blackburn in July 2008.
His contract is up in the summer and Friedel is considering his future with a player-coach offer on the table from his local MLS side Columbus Crew.
New Villa boss Gerard Houllier has already started looking at new keepers and Rangers' Allan McGregor is a target.
Friedel, who has made nearly 250 consecutive Premier League appearances, wants to see how his body holds up as he is 40 in May.
A source said: "Brad is a reasonable man who has had a great career.
"He knows he is 40 next year and the club need to get at least one new goalkeeper but he is not being forced out."
