Aston Villa will reportedly increase their efforts to sign Cardiff keeper Neil Etheridge after failing with an initial £8million bid. It was revealed that the Premier League new boys had moved to the front of the queue to sign the 29-year-old Philippines international after West Ham swooped to sign Roberto and David Martin, while the player has ruled out a return to former club Fulham following their relegation to the Championship.
Related: Striker Eager To Play At The Top
Villa looked to get the ball rolling with a bid of £8m in an effort to tempt the Bluebirds into a quick sale ahead of their return to the second tier in August. However, Cardiff are holding on for £10m and reports suggest Villa could now meet that price-tag as they look to have a settled custodian between the sticks in the top-flight, having used four goalkeepers throughout the course of last term.
Etheridge, who kept nine clean sheets for Cardiff last term, is also thought to be keen on a move to Villa Park given that he has a good relationship with boss Dean Smith and goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler, having worked with them at Walsall earlier in his career.
