Aston Villa are readying an improved second offer for Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge, according to Football Insider.
The reputable football outlet claim that the Midlands club are preparing to up their offer to £9million with the 29-year-old high on their wishlist and face competition from Fulham, with West Ham having dropped out of the hunt.
Dean Smith is said to have had his first offer of £8million rejected for the Philippines international but the Villa boss is convinced he could be a major part of his side next season.
The 6’1″ [Source: Transfermarkt] keeper played every Premier League game under Neil Warnock last season, keeping 10 clean sheets. The Cardiff stopper also made an impressive 141 saves and is top of Smith’s goalkeeping targets for the club’s Premier League return.
Good move for Villa?
Dean Smith clearly wants a new goalkeeper at Villa after their season of testing nearly led to their downfall in the promotion race. Jed Steer could count himself unlucky after being a bright spark in the club’s run to the play-offs.
Neil Etheridge really asserted himself into a Premier League caliber stopper in his brief stop in the top-flight. The Phillippines man was Cardiff’s marquee player under Neil Warnock last season and would fit straight into the Villa side.
At £9million, he could turn out to be a cheap option as well for Villa, and at 29-years-old, Etheridge will have plenty to prove after only one season in the Premier League to his name.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Villa seemed determined to secure their man after having their first offer knocked back. This just highlights how much they want to bring the Cardiff stopper to the club.
The Welsh club’s relegation could prove vital in this move and with Villa replacing them in the top flight, Etheridge could easily be tempted to make the switch to Villa Park.
With Cardiff reportedly holding out for £10million, this move seems to be getting closer to completion and Villa fans could expect to see a new stopper in the next month or so.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10