Friedel joins Tottenham

Brad Friedel has agreed a move to Tottenham Hotspur on a two-year deal from Aston Villa, Sky Sports reported Friday.After a three-years at Villa Park, the 40-year-old goalkeeper has headed to White Hart Lane on a free transfer, with the switch to be finalized when his contract expires July 1. Friedel was also in discussions with Liverpool about a return to Anfield, with Arsenal also showing interest in bringing the veteran goalkeeper to the Emirates.Villa also made attempts to sign the American veteran to a one-year deal before Friedel opted for the extended contract offered by Harry Redknapp at Spurs. He had 82 caps for the U.S. from 1992-2005, and was named to three World Cup squads.
"Yes, I can confirm Brad has chosen Spurs, but it was a very difficult decision to leave Villa," agent Tony McGill told Sky Sports on Friday. "Brad has really enjoyed his time there, the fans and staff have been exceptional, especially [Villa chief executive] Paul Faulkner, and I know Brad will wish Villa nothing but success. Brad is now looking forward to moving to Tottenham and pushing for a starting place and helping the club back into the top four next season."Friedel will be joining his fourth club in England's top division playing for Liverpool (1997-2000) and Blackburn (2000-2008) before his stint in Birmingham.
He is heading to a Spurs club coming off back-to-back top five finishes, during which Tottenham relied on Heurelho Gomes in goal since the 30-year-old Brazilian moved from Ajax in 2008.
Gomes was reportedly currently in discussions with Serie A champion AC Milan about a move to Italy, a transfer that would leave Friedel with an undisputed claim to Spurs' starting goalkeeper position.
In his 14 seasons in the EPL, Friedel has made 428 appearances, winning a League Cup in 2002 and a runner-up medal in 2010 in the same competition.