BLACKBURN boss Paul Ince is facing a fight to keep Brad Friedel at Ewood Park.

The Lancashire Telegraph can confirm that both Aston Villa AND Manchester City are trying to sign the former United States number one.

Ince is desperate to keep the 37-year-old but, with Villa and City both ready to offer Friedel a bumper pay-rise AND an extra year on his contract, Rovers’ new boss has a battle on his hands.

Chairman John Williams, who is back in the country after a holiday abroad, said: “There is some interest but Paul Ince’s wish is to start the season with Brad Friedel.”

Villa boss Martin O’Neill is a big admirer of Friedel and first registered an interest in signing him in January earlier this year, but the former Liverpool stopper committed his future to Rovers by signing a contract extension.

However, Villa are now back in the hunt again and are ready to lure Friedel with a bumper three-year deal, which would take him up to his 40th birthday.

City boss Mark Hughes is also willing to offer similar terms, because he is keen to land an experienced keeper to compete with Joe Hart for the number one jersey.

Friedel is said to be happy at Rovers and has no issue with the new management team – in fact, he was quick to endorse Ince’s appointment several weeks ago.

But news of this latest interest has presented the American with a serious dilemma, because he knows this could be his last chance to secure a final pay-day.

At the moment, Friedel still has two years left to run on his existing deal, and Rovers have said they will review his contract situation again in 12 months’ time.

However, with Villa and City ready to test Rovers’ resolve, the next few days could prove to be crucial in determining where Friedel ends up finishing his career.