Aston Villa are reportedly mulling over a move for Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore as Steven Gerrard eyes a backup for Emiliano Martinez.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are eyeing a late January swoop for Simon Moore. The 31-year-old Coventry City ace has emerged as the latest goalkeeper to be linked with a move to Villa Park this month, with newly appointed head coach Steven Gerrard keen on finding a proper backup for Emiliano Martinez.
Aston Villa’s current options in goal include Martinez and Jed Steer. While the former is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League, Gerrard believes Steer lacks the pedigree to be second in line behind the Argentine international.
In an attempt to add more competition for Steer and Martinez, Aston Villa have targeted Robin Olsen this month. Although the Swede has reportedly agreed personal terms with the club, his loan contract with Sheffield United until the end of the season has complicated the negotiations, with Gerrard setting his sights on potential alternatives.
Aston Villa have recently made an approach for Paris Saint-Germain’s third choice goalkeeper Sergio Rico. But it appears they are favouring a more homegrown option in the form of Simon Moore.
Formerly of Sheffield United, Moore has become the first-choice ‘keeper at Coventry City since joining the club last summer. He has notched up 22 league appearances in his first season, keeping seven clean sheets. His contributions between the sticks have helped his team emerge as contenders in the race to finish in the promotion playoff spots.
Throughout the 22 matches, Moore has racked up a relatively solid save percentage of 68%. In addition to his reflexes, the 31-year-old has made an impression with his 1.91m frame that helps him cover a large area in goal. As a result, he has now emerged as a potential target for Aston Villa, with the Premier League outfit considering a move in this January transfer window.
At the age of 31, Moore could be an ideal backup for Martinez as he is not likely to demand too much game-time. The opportunity to play in the Premier League alongside players like Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne is certainly something he would not want to miss out on.
However, the deal to sign the former Sheffield United stopper will likely hinge on Coventry City. They won’t be keen too keen on offloading their main goalkeeper in the middle of the season, knowing it could disrupt their chances of potentially finishing in the top six come May.
