Aston Villa have seen an £8million bid to sign goalkeeper Neil Etheridge rejected by Cardiff, according to WalesOnline.
The Welsh news outlet claims that Villa’s seven-figure offer is not good enough for the Bluebirds, who are not interested in cashing in on the 29-year-old after an impressive campaign in the Premier League.
It is understood that Cardiff also rejected a bid worth almost £10million from Fulham last week as the relegated club wants over that figure to consider cashing in on the 60-times Philippines international.
Good move for Aston Villa?
Etheridge played every minute of every Premier League game as Cardiff were relegated this season, but the former Walsall shot-stopper impressed with his displays as he kept 10 clean sheets in 38 outings.
According to stats by WhoScored, only West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski [144] made more saves this season than Etheridge [138], which just highlights how well he did in between the sticks for Neil Warnock’s side.
Aston Villa could do with a new goalkeeper this summer.
Lovre Kalinic and Orjan Nyland have both been disappointing signings in the last year and although Jed Steer played well towards the end of the Championship season, it’s unlikely that he will continue that form in the top-flight.
Etheridge has proven his worth this season and would be a good addition for Dean Smith.
This is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Cardiff reportedly want over £10million for Etheridge, but WalesOnline claims that the Philippines international would be interested in a return to the Premier League should that opportunity arise in the summer.
Villa would no doubt be a place that would interest the 6ft 2 [transfermarkt] colossus, so although a bid has been rejected now, the Villans could return with a second offer that is successful.
This is Futbol rating 5/10