Itandje beats deadline

Last updated : 11 August 2007 By Al Campbell
The Lens goalkeeper has signed in time to be registered for the Champions League qualifier although Liverpool are still waiting on international clearance so he is unlikely to be on the bench at Villa Park. His arrival will allow Carson to join Villa on loan and play in their second game of the season.

"He's a good goalkeeper and the reports we had were good. With goalkeepers it's always an issue of confidence, but if we need him he will good enough. He's played over 200 games in France," said Rafa Benitez.

"When I was speaking to Scott throughout the month he kept talking about needing to play and also the national team.

"I explained he is an important player for us and we don't want to lose him, but finally we said if we could find another keeper the situation could change. The solution now is a loan deal and a new goalkeeper for us."