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‘There’s potential’: Manager admits his £7m ace could join Aston Villa

Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images
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SEVILLE, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 14: Robin Olsen of Sweden looks on during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Spain and Sweden at Estadio de La Cartuja on November 14, 2021 in Seville, . (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom has admitted there is a chance that Robin Olsen could return to the Premier League with Aston Villa but only if the Blades sign a replacement, speaking via The Star. 

Big things were expected when Olsen moved to Bramall Lane in August.

After all, it’s not often a Championship club manage to snap up a player with 54 international caps, especially one who is contracted to Serie A powerhouses AS Roma.

What’s more, Olsen arrived following a series of impressive performances on loan at Everton. He even produced arguably the Save of the Tournament at Euro 2020. 

So far, however, the Swede has been more Rhian Brewster than Morgan Gibbs-White at Sheffield United. To put it another way, he’s been hugely disappointing.

Blades fans will tell you that it’s no coincidence Sheffield United are enjoying their best run of results with Olsen on the treatment table. 

The 32-year-old’s Steel City struggles have not put off an Aston Villa side in the market for an experienced back-up ‘keeper however. 

Will Robin Olsen leave Sheffield United for Aston Villa?

TalkSPORT claim that Steven Gerrard’s Midland giants have turned to Olsen after missing out on West Ham veteran Darren Randolph. 

“There’s potential on that but nothing as yet,” Heckingbottom said when asked about Aston Villa’s Olsen interest.

“It’s one of the situations we’re monitoring. But nothing’s happened yet. There’s been speculation about Robin but it’s in our hands. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 20: Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom applauds the fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Sheffield United at Craven Cottage on December 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images

“The only way he can go is if we have a replacement.”

Sheffield United have already allowed one goalkeeper to depart this month, Michael Verrips joining Eredivisie strugglers Fortuna Sittard on loan.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, want to add more depth to Gerrard’s squad, having already snapped up Barcelona misfit Philippe Coutinho and Everton fans’ favourite Lucas Digne. 

Kerr Smith, the much-coveted Dundee United wonderkid, is set to become January signing number three at Villa Park. 

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JANUARY 12: Philippe Coutinho of Aston Villa in action during a training session at Bodymoor Heath training ground on January 12, 2022 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images)
Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images