Goalkeeper Brad Guzan close to re-signing for Aston Villa

Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan is close to re-signing for the midlands club, Press Association Sport understands.

The American international parted company with Villa at the end of last season after failing to put pen to paper to a new contract.

But new Villa boss Paul Lambert is understood to be an admirer of Guzan, who is on the verge of agreeing a new deal.

Villa are hoping Guzan will sign up before the start of a three-game tour of America in 12 days time.

Guzan has been number two for the majority of his time at Villa since moving from Chivas four years ago.

He was first understudy to Brad Friedel and then Shay Given after his arrival from Manchester City last summer.

But Guzan impressed when deputising for the injured Given during a six-week spell in December and January.

That prompted Villa to offer Guzan the new terms with then manager Alex McLeish claiming the 27-year-old had proven he was of Premier League quality.

Lambert is also expected to complete the recruitment of Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa to his backroom staff from his former club Norwich in the next few days.

The two clubs are believed to be close to agreement now that new Canaries boss Chris Hughton has brought in his own team.

PA