Villa could make a fresh move for Manchester United keeper Ben Foster on loan as they look to boost their goalkeeping department.
Boss Martin O’Neill is desperate to bolster his options after losing Thomas Sorensen and on-loan Scott Carson.
Villa have looked at Tottenham’s £5m-rated Paul Robinson, who is willing to link up with O’Neill.
Foster is highly thought of at Villa and could be available on a year-long loan as he seeks to rebuild his career after a year out with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
Foster is one of the most highly-rated young keepers in England and Villa are one of several clubs willing to offer the former Stoke man first team football.
It is believed O’Neill has contacted United counterpart Sir Alex Ferguson previously to enquire about Foster’s availability.
Ferguson wanted time to assess his own options, but could now be ready to allow the Leamington Spa-born keeper the chance to return to the West Midlands.
O’Neill is trying to improve his oqn squad against the backdrop of the saga of Gareth Barry, currently serving a suspension from the club for his critical comments of O’Neill.
Reports at the weekend suggested anything from Liverpool being about to abandon their interest in the England international to the Reds being set to offer right-back Steve Finnan as part of the deal.
The prospect of the ex-Birmingham defender being thrown in would hold some appeal to Villa.
2 Comments
Going for Foster on loan is a good stop gap, but we still need at least two goalkeepers on the books. Carson filled in well last season but we didn’t cover our backside with another keeper, consequently we are now weak in that position just as we were at the start of last season. If we do not address this goalkeeping problem, we are going to be in the self same situation at the start of 2009 season too.
Gareth Barry must be mis advised who does he think he is questioning O’neill as to where he was,he said Villa made no attempt to keep him, but we were going to double his money what more can the club do. Fair play to O’neill for his response, no player is bigger than a Football Team. Would you want a player that shows that level of dis respect working for you?. Barry gave us 10 years & did well but could have handled this better than going to the News of the World. I think we know where his heart is now. Cant wait to see the back of barry i’ll drive him to anfield myself.