Friedel agrees to move to Spurs

Tottenham have confirmed the signing of veteran goalkeeper Brad Friedel on a free transfer from Aston Villa.

The United States international, who has been capped 82 times, will head to White Hart Lane on what is believed to be a two-year deal, having chosen the destination after reported interest from several other English Premier League clubs.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp said on Friday the signing had created competition for places in his squad, which will compete in the Europa League next campaign.

“Brad is a top goalkeeper of real quality who has great experience,” he told the club’s website.

“It is good to have three such experienced top goalkeepers at the club in (Heurelho) Gomes, Carlo (Cudicini) and now Brad and it means we have competition for places, particularly with the number of games we will hopefully face next year both domestically and in Europe as well.”

Friedel, 40, entered the Premier League when he joined Liverpool from Columbus Crew in 1997, making a name for himself as a top shot-stopper during his time at Blackburn, an eight-year spell that started in 2000.

Friedel moves despite being the first-choice at Aston Villa, who were reportedly interested in retaining his services, with Liverpool and West Brom also keen to pick up the gloveman.

Meanwhile, Tottenham has had a 10.5-million-pound bid for Internacional striker Leandro Damiao rejected.

The Brazilian club said it was the first formal offer they had received for the 21-year-old.

“It was the first concrete offer we’ve had. I said I didn’t want to sell now, but I think they will come back with another attempt,” Internacional president Giovanni Luigi said.

“I warned that he’ll only leave at the end of the year and for more money.”