Blackburn Rovers have given goalkeeper Brad Friedel permission to speak to Aston Villa about a possible £2m transfer to Villa Park.

The 37-year-old signed a contract extension at Ewood Park in February this year but has repeatedly been linked with the midlands club in recent weeks.

Villa manager Martin O'Neill told the club's official website: "We've been given permission to talk to the player and that's something that we want to do. But there are still lots of things to happen.

"We're in the process of strengthening the squad and this is all part of our efforts to add strength in depth."

Sunderland have confirmed the signing of the teenage midfielder David Meyler from Cork City.

The 19-year-old Irishman has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and could make his debut for the Black Cats against Cobh Ramblers in his home country on Monday. Meyler follows his former team-mate Roy O'Donovan from Turner's Cross to the Stadium of Light.

Meyler, who has joined for an undisclosed fee, understood to be in the region of £160,000, said: "My ambition is to break into the first team as soon as I can. Roy Keane is a legend where I come from. Everyone grew up watching him play, and that included me. He's given me a great opportunity here with Sunderland and obviously I will hopefully repay him. "