Aston Villa are apparently eyeing up Blackpool goalkeeper Matt Gilks, as possible competition for Shay Given.
According to the Daily Mirror, Villa boss Alex McLeish is resigned to losing back-up goalie Brad Guzan in the summer. The American is out-of-contract at the end of the season and is apparently looking to move on and play regular football.
Villa have had Scottish goalkeeper Gilks scouted already this season and are said to very impressed with his recent performances.
Blackpool are still in the Championship title race and are likely to at least make the play-offs, so there is no guarantee that Gilks will want to move. Especially when he is essentially being brought in as back up.
It is unlikely that he will usurp Shay Given and it would seem he is only going to be brought in to provide competition for places, and keep Given on his toes.
I think Gilks would only leave if Blackpool fail to get promotion, even then, it isn’t a certainty. Villa would be better off trying to persuade Guzan to stay on and fight for his place, or even promoting a younger goalkeeper to learn off Given.
It doesn’t really matter who Villa bring in because let’s be honest, not many people are going to keep Shay Given out of the team.
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