Aston Villa ready to pay £21m release clause to sign Man Utd 'keeper target

Aston Villa are now ready to pay the release clause of an “elite” goalkeeper, who is also wanted by Manchester United, according to a new report.

Aston Villa suffer FA Cup semi-final heartbreak

The Villans had a very good chance of ending their drought as they reached the FA Cup semi-final this weekend, but it was Crystal Palace who sailed to a 3-0 win. Eberechi Eze and a double from Ismaila Sarr sealed Palace’s place in the final, and while Villa created chances to get back into the game, Unai Emery felt Palace deserved to win.

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“When they scored the first goal, it was more difficult for us, and we only reacted after 2-0. Then we created more chances to score, and we didn’t score. In transition, they are very good, and they deserved to win,” Emery told BBC Sport.

“After the first goal, we pushed some corners. We had our moments, but we have to accept defeat. We were motivated for the semi-final, and we lost, but we keep going. Two years ago, when I arrived here, we were in a really bad moment. We are improving, and our level is going up so quickly. Yes, of course, we lost in the Europa Conference League semi-final against Olympiacos as well.

“Everything we are doing is increasing our demands, and today the loss is something we have to accept. Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to be quick to react because in the league we have the most important objective. Today we lost, thank you to our supporters, and congratulations to Crystal Palace, and we keep going. Now it is finished, and we focus on the next match.”

Villa and Emery will now put full focus on the Premier League, as they still have work to do to finish in the top five and secure Champions League football once again for next season.

Aston Villa are ready to pay release clause of £21m Joan Garcia

As well as turning their attention towards their remaining league games, the club’s hierarchy are already looking ahead to the summer and are trying to get their business done early. That is because, according to Cadena Ser, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa want to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia by paying his release clause.

The report states that Villa do not want to waste any time and want a “fast-track deal” for Garcia, and they hope the fact they are willing to pay his release clause means they can win the race for his signature. The 23-year-old’s release clause is said to stand between €25-30 million, which is roughly £21-25 million.

However, the Villans are not the only side chasing the Espanyol shot-stopper, as Manchester United are also keen, and the Red Devils have made contact with the player’s entourage in recent days over bringing him to Old Trafford. Garcia, who has been described as “elite” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has played every La Liga game for his side this season, conceding 42 goals and keeping seven clean sheets.

Garcia’s arrival at Villa Park would see him join a team that already has an established number one in Emi Martinez, whereas if he were to join Man United, he would likely become their number one goalkeeper given the doubts about Andre Onana.