Rob Elliot was snubbed by Rafa Benitez as Newcastle beat Burnley.
Rafa Benitez made the somewhat surprising decision on Monday night to choose youngster Freddie Woodman to sit on the bench as Martin Dubravka’s back-up, as Newcastle United beat Burnley – and Aston Villa should take advantage.
With Dubravka the undisputed number one at St. James’ Park, Darlow has acted as the Slovakian’s back-up so far this season. However, the former Nottingham Forest man has suffered an elbow injury.
It was expected that Ireland veteran Elliot would replace Darlow on the bench away at Burnley, but Woodman was named as Dubravka’s back-up. The Chronicle claim that the decision has put Elliot’s future in doubt.
It should convince Aston Villa to move for the 32-year-old stopper in the January transfer window, with doubts still surrounding summer signing Orjan Nyland.
The 27-time Norway international has managed just four clean sheets in 16 Championship outings so far, though Dean Smith has placed his trust in Nyland – at least until the January window.
Andre Moreira was also signed on loan from Atletico Madrid, but his only appearances have come in the Carabao Cup. A new goalkeeper looks to be the obvious priority in the January window, along with a centre-back.
Elliot has a decent record in the Championship, keeping eight clean sheets in 27 games but more importantly, conceding only 35 goals. 23 of those outings came in the 2008-09 season, when Charlton were relegated.
Adding him to Villa’s side will give Smith some much-needed experience, as well as a goalkeeper that can be trusted to churn out consistent, reliable performances. He could be a key addition in Villa’s promotion push.
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