Villa agree fee for Given

Aston Villa are edging closer towards the signing of Shay Given after agreeing a fee with Manchester City for the Republic of Ireland goalkeeper.

The deal is believed to have been delayed while Given negotiates a £1 million pay off from City, however a fee for the player, thought to be £3.5 million, has now been settled on by the two sides.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeper failed to make a single Premier League appearance last season and is eager to secure first-team football having turned 35 in April.

Given joined for £5.9million in January 2009, but Joe Hart’s emergence as first-choice keeper for club and country forced Given onto the City bench for most of last season, with the 113-cap international restricted to just four cup appearances.

Although Given has two years left on his contract with City, new Villa manager Alex McLeish can offer him a regular starting role.