‘Both off to St. James’ Park’ - Aston Villa and West Brom keepers eyed for double transfer swoop

Aston Villa and West Bromwich Albion are reportedly both set to be raided in the goalkeeper department as Viljami Sinisalo and Josh Griffiths are being targeted by Exeter City and Newcastle United respectively.

Villans youngster Sinisalo is expected to complete a move to League One outfit Exeter on a season-long loan, whereas Baggies backup Griffiths could be tempted by a permanent transfer to St. James’ Park.

In the case of Sinisalo, journalist Alan Nixon claims the Grecians, who ironically play their home matches at a different stadium called St. James’ Park, are “poised to land the goalkeeper on loan” this summer.

The Finland international is yet to make a senior appearance for Villa but has been handed a place in the matchday squad by Unai Emery on numerous occasions. Aged 21, this could be a good experience move.

Meanwhile, West Brom ace Griffiths could be set for a transfer to a different St. James’ Park as Newcastle are knocking on the door. Also 21 years of age, Griffiths enjoyed his Albion breakthrough last campaign.

The 6ft 1in England U21 international had a successful loan spell at Portsmouth during the first half of the 2022/23 season and then was recalled by the Baggies, who handed him 10 starts in the Championship.

As soon as he was handed an opportunity by Carlos Corberan he impressed, and now Newcastle would like to give him yet another step up, according to The Sun.

It’s claimed Magpies backup Karl Darlow will move on this summer in a search for more game time, meaning they will need to bring in a new deputy to Nick Pope.

Griffiths is said to be on the list of targets as “Newcastle are ready to make a surprise bid” after director of football Dan Ashworth mentioned he “became a fan of the shot-stopper” during his time at The Hawthorns.

No official offer has been lodged just yet but given Griffiths is unlikely to take the number one spot at West Brom from Alex Palmer on a permanent basis, a huge step up would be extremely tempting.