Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce still hasn’t landed any of his top targets in January and the news that Alex Smithies will be staying at QPR doesn’t help.
Aston Villa’s winter of discontent looks set to continue with the Brent and Kilburn Times reporting that QPR goalkeeper Alex Smithies has his sights set on a long-term stay at Loftus Road rather than a rapid switch to the Midlands.
Despite appearing to have their number one position sewn up for the next few years with the signing of young Italian shot-stopper Pierluigi Gollini in the summer, Steve Bruce is now shaping up to the prospect of beginning next season without an undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
Gollini has now joined Atalanta on loan for the rest of the season and appears to have lost the faith of his manager while January arrival Sam Johnstone will only be at Villa Park until he returns to parent club Manchester United in the summer.
And Smithies, one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers, will not prove the long-term answer.
The Daily Mirror reported last month that Villa were eyeing up a £4 million move for the QPR man and, furthermore, HITC sources claimed that Bruce had scouted the goalkeeper personally after being impressed by Smithies’ excellent display against his side in December, saving a penalty from Jonathan Kodjia.
However, the former Huddersfield goalkeeper has now poured cold water on speculation.
“I’d be delighted to extend my stay here. I love playing for this club,” Smithies told the Brent and Kilburn Times. “My family are settled too. I’m happy to continue playing for this club for many years to come.”
Consequently, Bruce can add another problem position to Villa’s growing list.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
