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Aston Villa turn attentions back to Cardiff City keeper Neil Etheridge?

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 23 June 2019

Villa turn attentions back to Cardiff's Etheridge?

Aston Villa reportedly turn their attentions back to Cardiff City stopper Neil Etheridge after being priced out of a move for Stoke City's Jack Butland.

Aston Villa are reportedly considering a fresh approach for Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge after being priced out of a move for Stoke City stopper Jack Butland.

The 29-year-old was named as the Bluebirds' player of the year last season despite their relegation from the top flight, prompting a bid for his services from Villa, who were promoted as Championship playoff winners.

Cardiff swiftly rejected that offer - thought to be worth £8m - but, according to The Sun, the Villans are braced for a new approach for the Philippines international.

Dean Smith's side have been courting Potters keeper Butland but have been put off by his £20m price tag and, with little sign of them budging, have now turned their attentions back to Etheridge as a cheaper alternative.

Cardiff boss Neil Warnock has categorically denied Villa's interest in Etheridge, meanwhile, insisting that the club have had "no offers whatsoever for Neil".

Etheridge has two years remaining on his current contract in South Wales.