Aston Villa are looking to hijack Sheffield United’s move for Aaron Ramsdale after Bournemouth accepted an £18.5 million bid from Chris Wilder’s Blades, according to Sky Sports.
One of the most highly-rated young goalkeepers in British football will certainly have big, erm, gloves to fill at Bramall Lane.
During two exceptional seasons on loan in the Steel City, Dean Henderson helped Sheffield United secure promotion from the Championship before sealing a top-half finish in their first year back in the big time.
And with Henderson now on his way back to Manchester United as the young prince looks to take David de Gea’s throne, Ramsdale has one hell of a challenge on his hands.
The former Sheffield United youngster could be set to return to where it all began as he looks to replace a man who, over the last 18 months or so, has looked nigh-on irreplaceable.
Sky claims that Sheffield United have had an £18.5 million bid rejected.
But absolutely no one will be celebrating a done deal until Ramsdale is posing for photos in front of Bramall Lane.
After all, Aston Villa are in the market for a new shot-stopper themselves after bidding farewell to a loanee of their own.
Pepe Reina’s triumphant farewell leaves Orjan Nyland, Lovre Kalinic and Jed Steer as the only fit goalkeepers at Dean Smith’s disposal with Tom Heaton still on the sidelines – and all of the aforementioned trio have been tipped to leave Villa Park this summer.
Ramsdale, then, would be a very welcome addition with his commanding presence and cat-like reflexes making him one of the finest young shot-stoppers in Europe today.
“I really think he’s an exceptional goalkeeper but to everyone else he’s been a surprise,” said former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe (Examiner).
“He’s taken that responsibility and never looked back so to this point he’s been magnificent for us.”
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