Guzan on brink of transfer

Jul 12, 2008 - 11:56 AM By John Curtis PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

BIRMINGHAM, England (Ticker) -- Aston Villa are hoping to finally secure the services of United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan after agreeing to a transfer fee with Chivas USA.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill agreed to a fee in the region of $4 million for Guzan during the January transfer window but the deal was unsuccessful after he failed to obtain a work permit.

Now, Villa have again reached an agreement with Chivas for Guzan, who played against England as a second-half substitute at Wembley in May.

"Aston Villa can confirm that a fee has been agreed to this morning for Brad Guzan and he will become a Villa player subject to gaining a work permit," a Villa spokesman said on Saturday.

Guzan is happy about the transfer.

"I would love to sign for Villa," Guzan told PA SportsTicker. "When I was there in January for a few days it was an absolutely brilliant time. Great people, great facilities and I couldn't say one bad thing about it.

"Hopefully it all goes well (with the work permit). Hopefully I will be able to sign."

Guzan's increased number of international appearances means Villa are more hopeful of gaining approval from its fans.

In addition to his appearance against England, Guzan has started against Sweden and Barbados and came off the bench against Switzerland, South Africa and Spain in international games since October 2007.

Guzan will become Villa's second summer signing after former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell moved from Stamford Bridge for around $10 million earlier this week.

O'Neill, who has also been linked with Tottenham's Paul Robinson, currently has only one senior keeper at his disposal in Stuart Taylor - the No. 1 goalie during the current tour of Switzerland.

"It looks like exciting times at Villa and I would love to play for Martin O'Neill," Guzan said. "When I met Martin at the end of January he was a fabulous guy, a great person. The entire staff were outstanding. It is about the whole way he carries himself as a manager. To have a guy like Martin O'Neill saying good things about you, it makes you feel good as a player."

Thomas Sorensen left on a free transfer after not being offered a new contract and Scott Carson has returned to Liverpool after a season long loan at Villa.