Man City are attempting to hijack Villa's bid to sign Brad Friedel.
The Claret and Blue have been given permission to discuss terms with the American after their £2million offer was accepted by Blackburn.
But Mark Hughes, who was Friedel's manager at Ewood Park, still hopes to steal the signature of the 37 year old.
The problem for Hughes is that he won't be able to guarantee the big stopper a regular place in the first team.
Highly rated Joe Hart is the current City number one and his progress could be stifled should Friedel replace him as top keeper at the club.
Mentor
Villa, on the other hand, want Friedel to star in the first team and manager Martin O'Neill hoes that he will mentor current USA international Brad Guzan.
Guzan is set to arrive from Chivas once a work permit has been secured but will have to settle for a role as Friedel's understudy.
O'Neill knows there is no-one better to teach the 23 year old the ways of the Premier League than the firmly established Friedel.
The former Liverpool man has become one of the best keepers in England's top league, giving many a world class striker sleepless nights.
Friedel will hopefully provide the stability that has been lacking at Villa since his old Liverpool teammate David James held the number one jersey.