The American, 37, has been at Ewood Park for the past eight years but he told the club earlier this month that he wanted to move on.

Manchester City had also been linked with Friedel but Villa have now taken a big stride towards signing him and are reportedly set to offer the veteran stopper a three-year contract.

Bringing in a new goalkeeper has been a priority for Villa manager Martin O'Neill this summer.

Scott Carson was O'Neill's first choice between the posts last term but he returned to Liverpool at the end of his loan spell and has since joined West Brom.

Villa will now be hoping to finalise the transfer of Friedel, who has been one of the most consistent keepers in the Premier League over the last decade.

Friedel's departure would leave a huge void at Blackburn and manager Paul Ince is likely to turn his attention to finding a replacement as quickly as possible, with Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini amongst those linked with a move to Lancashire.