Aston Villa look set to lose out one of their transfer targets to Brentford in this transfer window.
Unai Emery completed his first signing of the window with the arrival of 18-year-old right-back Kosta Nedeljkovic from Red Star Belgrade.
The next priority on his agenda is prising Morgan Rogers away from Middlesbrough, although Aston Villa have found that striking a deal is proving increasingly difficult.
Boro understandably want to keep one of their best players, especially in the middle of the season, and multiple bids have been knocked back.
It’s a transfer saga that looks set to rumble late on into the window as Emery remains keen on bolstering his attack.
One player whom he can potentially cross off the list is goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson.
Villa reportedly submitted a bid for the 22-year-old last week, but now Premier League rivals Brentford have stolen the march in negotiations for the player.
Brentford agree fee for goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson
According to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, Brentford have agreed on a fee of €3 million (£2.5 million) with Swedish side Elfsborg to sign their highly-rated goalkeeper.
It is claimed that the Icelandic shot-stopper is set to fly into London to complete his medical with the club.
Valdimarsson was named Goalkeeper of the Year in the Swedish top flight in 2023 and is now Iceland’s first-choice keeper, making his competitive debut against Portugal in November.
Villa were on the lookout for a backup goalkeeper to Emiliano Martinez after sending 20-year-old Filip Marschall on loan to MK Dons for the remainder of the season.
Although 34-year-old Robin Olsen is the current understudy to Martinez, Emery wanted to sign a young keeper to learn from one of the best on the planet.
Aston Villa can wait till summer to sign a goalkeeper
Villa have priorities that need their attention in this transfer window.
Following the loan departure of Leander Dendoncker to Napoli, Emery needs to find a replacement for the Belgian.
The Spaniard only has limited options from the bench in central midfielder and one of those is youngster Tim Iroegbunam, who would benefit more from being loaned out elsewhere.
Improvements are also needed in the final third, including back-up striker to Ollie Watkins, especially if Jhon Duran departs, and competition out wide for the likes of Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.
All of the above should be prioritised before signing a goalkeeper given an injury to Martinez is the only scenario that would see him lose his starting spot.
