Villa move not on cards for Frey

Sebastien Frey's agent has played down speculation linking the Fiorentina goalkeeper with a surprise move to Aston Villa.

Reports have claimed the French goalkeeper could be heading to England after seeing his position at Fiorentina come under threat.

The Viola have snapped up former Celtic shot-stopper Artur Boruc for an undisclosed fee, and the Pole is tipped to take the No 1 jersey next season.

That has led some to question Frey's future at the club, with the 30-year-old having grown accustomed to first-team football over the years.

A switch to Villa does not appear to be on the cards, though, as his representative has sought to quash that particular rumour.

Giovanni Branchini told violanews.com: "Aston Villa has never spoken with Fiorentina for Frey.

"I think they are the usual rumours of someone who likes to say these things without having evidence.

"Frey remains in Florence, despite all that has happened and despite everything. I think he has already shown how much he loves Florence and Fiorentina".

The Serie A club's sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, has also been quick to play down any suggestion that Frey could be moved on.

He feels Fiorentina need two top-class keepers and expects Frey and Boruc to enjoy a friendly rivalry at Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Corvino said: "I got Boruc because Frey has a buy-out clause and he could use it. I followed Artur for a long time, but Celtic asked for 10million euros, then the price dropped and his agent called me and I didn't think twice.

"I know that Boruc was also wanted by English clubs but he has always wanted Florence.

"At an important club like Fiorentina it is normal that there are more important players in the same role. Coach (Sinisa) Mihailovic had asked for another goalkeeper of high quality besides Frey".