Sheffield United are stepping up their pursuit of a Robin Olsen replacement as the Roma loanee nears a return to the Premier League with Aston Villa, manager Paul Heckingbottom tells Yorkshire Live.
After impressing at Everton and shining at Euro 2020, his almost gravity-defying save to deny Spain’s Dani Olmo was arguably the save of the tournament, big things were expected when Olsen rocked up at Bramall Lane over the summer.
But after just five months and 11 appearances, the Sweden international will be on the move again.
And the fact that few in the Steel City will be disappointed to see him go should tell you all you need to know about how things have panned out for Olsen in Sheffield United colours.
Is Robin Olsen signing for Aston Villa?
The four-time Swedish Goalkeeper of the Year will seal his top-flight return this week.
Aston Villa are willing to overlook his disappointing stint in the division above and make Olsen their fourth January signing, after Philippe Coutinho, Lucas Digne and Kerr Smith (Birmingham Mail).
But with lower-league veteran Frank Fielding in their crosshairs, Olsen’s departure appears to have moved one step closer.
“As I said before, we have to make sure that, as a club, we’re in a position where we can bring someone in first,” says Heckingbottom, the former Leeds, Hibernian and Barnsley boss.
“I spoke to Robin, I’m in constant communication with him. He understands, everyone understands.
“We’ve been in contact with the keepers who we think are available. And, as I say, until we know that we can bring one of him in we can’t let Rob go.
“I understand his and Roma’s position and we want to be respectful of that. He’s not our player, and we want to do right by them. But he’s ours (right now) because he’s under a loan contract.”
Aston Villa have also been linked with West Ham’s Darren Randolph and Simon Moore of Coventry City.
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