Rovers up the Antti for Robinson
by Chris Stanton, 25 July 2008
Blackburn are on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson – a move that will confirm the exit of Rovers legend Brad Friedel to Aston Villa.
Chairman John Williams has confirmed talks for a goalkeeper – Robinson – have progressed, with a fee in the region of £3.5 million set to be agreed with Spurs.
“We have made good progress with our bid, but there are still some details to sort out,” said Williams.
The England international will have huge shoes to fill should he finalise a switch to Ewood Park, with 37-year-old Friedel having established himself as one of The Premier League’s best goalkeepers in his eight years with Rovers.
The Lancashire side accepted a bid of £2.75 million from Villa for Friedel on the condition that they could secure a new number one.
In their search for a goalkeeper, Rovers have also sounded out Fulham shot stopper Antti Niemi.
Niemi is keen to leave The Cottagers and the player’s agent Richard Cody told setantasports.com that the Finn is a name on the club's shortlist.
"I had a call during the week telling me to call Blackburn,” said Cody.
"I tried to get hold of [Blackburn’s first-team coach] Archie Knox, who is a good friend of mine, but of course Blackburn are away on their pre-season camp at the moment.
"The market is incredibly slow at the moment, but we're expecting to speak to three clubs when they return from their pre-season tours.”