Aston Villa to take transfer action on 21-year-old

Aston Villa have reportedly began the process of extending the contract of goalkeeper Filip Marschall.

Football Insider is reporting that the transfer committee at Villa Park have opened talks about extending Marschall's stay in the West Midlands. He is highly regarded by his parent club despite the plethora of goalkeeping options, and has already made his first-team debut.

Unai Emery gave him a run out in the Europa Conference League group stage match against Zrinjski Mostar. A few months later he was loaned out to MK Dons and helped them reach the League Two play-offs.

This season, Marschall has been loaned out to Crewe Alexandra, and has performed well. He has made 24 appearances in all competitions, keeping eight clean sheets, the second highest in the division, and has conceded just 25 goals.

TransferMarkt report that Marschall's contract isn't due to expire until the summer of 2027, and so extending his contract would signal that the England under-19 international features in their long-term plans.

Emiliano Martinez is currently the first choice goalkeeper and on Tuesday night he was named Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2024. Joe Gauci and Robin Olsen are both replacement options for Martinez, alternating between themselves.

Gauci played two games in the EFL Cup earlier this term, whilst Olsen replaced Martinez when he suffered an injury against Chelsea. Olsen is out of contract in the summer, and is reportedly wanted for transfer by Malmo. Gauci on the other hand signed from Adelaide United and is under contract until the summer of 2028.

Another option at Villa's disposal between the sticks is Oliwier Zych. The 20-year-old is mainly considered for the under-21s, but has been among the substitutes in the Carabao Cup, Premier League and Champions League this term. He was given the captaincy by Josep Gombau for an EFL Trophy match this season.