The tough-as-nails bruiser of this summer’s transfer season is undoubtedly Martin O’Neill. Behind the soft geek chic exterior lies a ruthlessly tough negotiator. So when new City boss Mark Hughes saw that O’Neill has been sniffing around his old ‘keeper at Blackburn, Brad Friedel, Hughes leapt into action.
The Daily Mail reckons that Hughes and O’Neill will lock horns over Brad Friedel, who - at £2.5million - is loose change to both managers.

Manchester City are ready to make their move for Brad Friedel after being alerted to a £2.5million proposal from Aston Villa.

Martin O’Neill will bid for Blackburn Rovers keeper Friedel, as revealed by Sportsmail, confident he can land him — but that will trigger a reaction from City where manager Mark Hughes is a big fan. (Daily Mail)

Apparently new Blackburn guv’nor Paul Ince reckons that Friedel is far too crusty and is looking to ship in Tottenham’s Paul Robinson (!) - a bold move indeed!