Paul Robinson joined Blackburn Rovers for £3.5 million last night, becoming Paul Ince’s first signing since taking charge last month. The goalkeeper, who has signed a five-year contract, will hope to resurrect his England career after leaving Tottenham Hotspur.

Robinson has not played for his country since a costly mistake in the defeat by Russia in a European Championship qualifying match in Moscow in October. After also losing the first-team place at White Hart Lane, he reclaimed the No 1 jersey but Juande Ramos, the Tottenham head coach, signed Heurelho Gomes, the Brazil goalkeeper, as a replacement because he wanted a more commanding goalkeeper with better distribution.

Robinson’s arrival at Ewood Park has allowed Brad Friedel to leave, probably to Aston Villa, although Manchester City also met the asking price last night. The goalkeeper held talks with Martin O’Neill, the Villa manager, yesterday after a £2 million transfer fee was agreed with Blackburn. Villa have offered Friedel a three-year contract on a higher wage than he earns at Ewood Park. O’Neill wants Friedel to assist in the development of Brad Guzan, a fellow American who is to move to Villa Park, provided that he can secure a work permit for his transfer from Chivas USA at an employment hearing on Friday.

Mark Hughes, the City manager, wants to bring in an experienced goalkeeper to help Joe Hart, who had an outstanding first full season in the Barclays Premier League last term. Hughes believes that Hart has the potential to become a top goalkeeper, but at 21, he might need the assistance from an older professional. At 37, Friedel would not be viewed by Hart as long-term competition.

Decent bets

Riga Mustapha is expected to complete a move to Bolton Wanderers. The 26-year-old winger, who claims to have not been paid in nine months, wants to leave Levante after their relegation from La Liga last season. Stoke City have agreed a fee with Sunderland for Marton Fulop, 25, after a £1.7 million offer was turned down. The Hungary goalkeeper spent five days on loan at Stoke in February before he was recalled to Sunderland.

Portsmouth expect to complete a deal for Shaun Wright-Phillips, but the transfer fee for the winger is likely to be below Chelsea’s valuation of £12 million. Tal Ben-Haim’s wage demands are hindering a move to Manchester City. The defender, who earns more than £50,000 a week at Chelsea, wants the same salary.

Andrew Johnson seems certain to move to Fulham after the forward was left out of Everton’s friendly away to Nottingham Forest last night. Fulham will complete the signing of Fredrik Stoor for £2 million this week. The Sweden right back will arrive at Craven Cottage after playing for Rosenborg in the Intertoto Cup tomorrow. Fulham are monitoring Vince Grella, the Australia midfield player, who has been made available by Torino.

Dead certs

David Meyler, the 19-year-midfield player, has signed a three-year contract with Sunderland after moving for £160,000 from Cork City.

Long shots

Mark Bresciano, who was linked with West Ham United last summer, has been offered for sale to Blackburn Rovers after being made available by Palermo. Roque Santa Cruz says he a proposed transfer from Blackburn may not happen. “A move is unlikely because my new manager has said that he doesn’t want to sell me,” Santa Cruz said.