Villa prepare £3.5million keeper swoop

Aston Villa are preparing a surprise £3.5million bid for Nottingham Forest keeper Lee Camp.

Villa boss Gerard Houllier has targeted the Northern Ireland international as a successor to Brad Friedel, who is set to quit this summer.

Former Derby star Camp has emerged as one of the most highly-rated keepers outside the Premier League and impressed as Forest made the play-offs for a second successive season.

Following Forest's semi-final loss to Swansea, Villa are now ready to test their resolve to keep the 26-year-old by offering him a dream move to the top flight.

Houllier’s future is still uncertain at Villa as he recovers from a heart scare, but he has placed Camp on his wish-list for the summer.

Forest are facing a potential exodus of players after their play-off exit, with Nathan Tyson and Guy Moussi both quitting as free agents.