Neil Etheridge’s links with Dean Smith and Neil Cutler could hold the key to Aston Villa transfer

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Aston Villa reportedly want a new goalkeeper this summer. Despite having Jed Steer, Lovre Kalinic, Orjan Nyland and Matija Sarkic on their books, a new goalkeeper is a priority for Dean Smith.

According to The Express and Star, Neil Etheridge is a top target. After Cardiff City turned down Aston Villa’s first approach, Smith is considering another bid.

Etheridge was Cardiff’s standout player last season. The Philippines international made the second most saves in the Premier League but the Bluebirds were still relegated.

Cardiff want to keep Etheridge at the club. But Aston Villa could have a trump card up their sleeve. Smith and Neil Cutler could be a driving factor behind this transfer.

Etheridge came through the ranks at Fulham, had several loan spells and then had stints with Oldham Athletic and Charlton Athletic.

But his career did not really get going until he joined Walsall in 2015. There, he teamed up with goalkeeping coach Cutler. And Etheridge credits Cutler for turning his career around (The Express and Star).

The 29-year-old spent two seasons with Smith and Cutler at Walsall before joining Cardiff. Now, he has the chance to team up with Smith and Cutler at Villa Park.

Surely a move back to the West Midlands to reunite with Smith and Cutler and remain a Premier League player appeals to Etheridge this summer.