Premier League big-spenders Aston Villa reportedly want to raid former Championship rivals Boro for goalkeeper Darren Randolph.
Aston Villa will have a fight on their hands if they want to sign Darren Randolph. Because, speaking to BBC Tees (23 July, 6am), Middlesbrough new coaches Jonathan Woodgate and Robbie Keane have made it clear that they are not going to lose the inspirational goalkeeper without one hell of a fight.
The Telegraph claimed a fortnight ago that Aston Villa’s search for a new number one had taken them in the direction of the Republic of Ireland shot-stopper.
Yes, Randolph has made just 28 Premier League appearances in his entire career but his performances in the division below suggest he’d have no trouble adapting back to life at the top tier.
The 32-year-old was the best goalkeeper in the Championship last season, conceding less than a goal a game on average while keeping a hugely impressive 19 clean sheets with his cat-like reflexes and invaluable experience.
No wonder Woodgate is desperate to keep Randolph at the Riverside.
“Darren was our best player last season and I want to keep the best ones,” the former Real Madrid defender said.
“Darren is a top keeper, a great professional and I have played with him for the Ireland team,” Keane adds.
“He’s unbelievable. It’s great to come into this club and be with him full-time because it reiterates to me that he is one of the best in the league, if not in the Premier League as well.”
Aston Villa have spent almost £100 million on new players this summer, however, and it remains to be seen whether they are still capable of making Middlesbrough an offer they simply cannot refuse.
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