Mirror Football is reporting that Schalke 04 will target Aston Villa’s USA goalkeeper as a replacement for their current goalkeeper that could be bound for Manchester United. Friedel will turn 40 next month and is out of contract at the end of the season. Aston Villa is currently in talks with Brad Friedel over a new contract – but there are some doubts if he would remain first-choice. Aston Villa will also be in the market to sign a younger goalkeeper.
Friedel has been an impressive performer at Aston Villa this season and a move for Schalke 04 will ensure that he continue to play regular first-team football in what could be his last season in professional football. Brad Friedel is a highly experienced goalkeeper and he has made nearly 400 Premier league appearances and he has also played 82 games for the USA – making him the third most capped player in USA history; although, Friedel has since retired from the international scene.
Friedel rarely picks up injuries and that level of consistency was confirmed on January 16, 2011 – when he completed a spell of 250 consecutive league games. In that same month, Brad Friedel became the oldest player to ever play for Aston Villa.
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