Brad Guzan may leave Villa on a free transfer

The USA international has spent a total of eight years at Villa Park, having initially been signed by Martin O'Neill, and is deemed surplus to requirements.

He was released, briefly in 2012 but re-signed almost immediately by Paul Lambert and went on to establish himself as the club's No 1 over the next three seasons.

But erratic form over the last 18 months saw him suffer a crisis of confidence and he was among a number of players targeted by fans, as Villa slipped limply out of the top flight last term.

New boss Roberto Di Matteo, who is desperate to trim a squad which contains more than 30 professionals, has signed former Italy under-19 goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.

Meanwhile, another player on the verge of exiting Villa Park gave potential suitors a reason to be interested in him last night.

Celtic target Scott Sinclair opened the scoring with a curling finish for Villa during their pre-season 3-0 victory at League Two Cambridge United last night.

The winger netted in the eighth minute and was joined on the scoresheet shortly after by youngster Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, pouncing on hesitation in the U's penalty area.

Gary Gardner added a third 12 minutes from time.