Soccer – Given looks set for Villa move

Aston Villa are closing in on a £5million deal for  Lifford’s Shay Given as manager Alex McLeish prepares to make his first signing since his controversial switch from Birmingham City. Villa’s recently-appointed manager has settled on Given as his preferred choice to replace Brad Friedel and is hopeful Villa’s board can agree to match the Republic of Ireland keeper’s £85,000-a-week Eastlands wages. Bookies stopped all bets on a Villa move for Given on Tuesday evening as reports suggested the Man City shot stopper had already agreed personal terms.