Aston Villa are reportedly moving for goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.
Aston Villa saw Jed Steer impress in the latter stages of the season, but they’re still in the market for a new goalkeeper ahead of their Premier League return.
Steer stepped in for struggling January signing Lovre Kalinic and performed well, but with Kalinic potentially heading out, a new goalkeeper may be targeted.
The main option right now is Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge, with Wales Online reporting that Villa’s first bid of £8million has been rejected.
Now, Wales Online claim that Champions League winners Liverpool have made a surprise approach for Etheridge to backup Alisson – but the 29-year-old actually prefers a move to Villa.
That’s a major boost for Villa after their promotion, and whilst playing time will be a major factor for the Philippines international, it’s also major credit to boss Dean Smith.
It’s stated that Etheridge wants to reunite with Smith and goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler having worked together at Walsall in 2015, giving Villa the edge over Liverpool.
That Etheridge would prefer to join newly-promoted Villa over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool sums up just how highly Smith and Cutler are considered by the goalkeeper, even though they only worked together briefly.
Villa fans would love to beat Liverpool to a signing, especially one as impressive as Etheridge, and it just goes to show the pulling power Smith has with his former players, showcased yesterday with the signing of Jota.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
