Tim Sherwood clears up speculation about Brad Guzan’s Aston Villa future

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Recent reports have claimed that the US international is heading for the Villa Park exit door.

Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood has ended speculation surrounding Brad Guzan’s immediate future at the club, telling the Birmingham Mail that the US international will be his first-choice goalkeeper heading into the new season.

Guzan, 30, endured a disappointing end to last term, having lost his place in the starting line-up to Shay Given after a horrific gaffe in April’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester City, and rumours have since been swirling that Sherwood is none too keen on the veteran stopper.

Despite the recent departure of Given to Stoke, the Daily Mail cast further doubt over his status in the Midlands this past weekend, claiming that the former Chivas USA man had been made available for £3 million amid his manager’s search for a new No. 1.

However, Sherwood has now moved to quash those reports in no uncertain terms, insisting that the plan was always to have Guzan start the season back between the posts, while adding that 22-year-old Jed Steer will compete with new signing Mark Bunn for the backup job.

“Brad was always going to be the No.1,” said Sherwood. “We’re happy for Jed to be No.2.

“Jed knows if he’s playing well, he will get the chance to play. He will only move on loan to the right club if he’s going to play. We will make sure there’s a recall in it.

“He’s our No.2, him and Bunn will fight it out.”

Sherwood’s comments should come as little surprise considering that Guzan has been in excellent form for the US national team this summer, helping Jurgen Klinsmann’s side record upset friendly wins over the Netherlands and world champions Germany last month, before producing a string of applauded outings in the ongoing Gold Cup.

While his 2014-15 season was below par compared to the previous two terms, the 34-times capped American was labelled one of the top-flight’s leading keepers not long ago, having helped save Villa from the drop in back-to-back campaigns with his points-saving performances.

With a since-ended run of 108 straight Premier League starts under his belt, the club would likely have struggled to find someone with the skills and experience of their 2012-13 Player of the Year on the market, while his recent USA form also suggests that a bounce back season could be in store.