Aston Villa transfer target 'completes medical' - won't be available against Sheffield United

Aston Villa are poised to complete the signing of Australian goalkeeper Joe Gauci, according to various reports.

That is despite Unai Emery's response of 'definitely not' when asked by BirminghamWorld if there would be any more arrivals after Rogers. It could be that Gauci arrives before Rogers with a deal at an advanced stage. A £15m deal was agreed with Middlesbrough yesterday for Rogers, but Gauci could arrive before the Boro forward.

David Ornstein, a journalist for The Athletic reported that an agreement had been made with Adelaide United to sign the goalkeeper. He has completed his medical ahead of a proposed move to Villa Park. He is set to sign a contract until 2028 and it is now at the paperwork stage, which should mean that the deal goes through before Thursday evening's deadline.

He is to add depth to the goalkeeping area as he battles with Emi Martinez and Robin Olsen for the number one spot. Martinez is the first-choice in most competitions, but Gauci could now push Martinez in to getting a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League starting XI's.

Gauci is currently away on international duty at the Asia Cup and because he is away in Qatar, the deal will be concluded there. He is a two-time Australia international but is behind Mathew Ryan in the pecking order.

Australia face South Korea in the quarter-finals on Friday, February 2 at 15:30 and so he won't be available for this weekend's fixture with Sheffield United. Gauci could be involved in Villa's next Premier League match against Man United on Sunday, February 11 however.

Gauci has spent his career in Australia and went from playing semi-professional football with West Torrens Birkalla to playing in the A-League to featuring for his hometown club Adelaide United. He has played 76 times for his current club and has kept 17 clean sheets. His debut for the Australia national team came in March 2023 when he featured in a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador.