Dean Smith is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper in January, with his faith reportedly diminishing in Orjan Nyland. The Norwegian international has shipped 28 goals in 19 Championship games and only has five clean sheets since joining from FC Ingolstadt over the summer.
To replace the 28-year-old, Aston Villa have been linked with Tom Heaton of Burnley and Karl Darlow of Newcastle United, although they have competition for both players. Smith could opt for a loan move for one of the duo or he could seek an internal solution to the problem.
Mark Bunn (1 appearance) and Andre Moreira (2 appearances) are second and third-choice this season but haven’t been given an opportunity despite Nyland’s struggles. Instead, Smith could turn to Jed Steer who is currently on loan at Charlton Athletic.
The 26-year-old has made only nine appearances since signing for Villa from Norwich City in 2013 and has embarked upon a series of loan moves (Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town and Huddersfield Town) due to his inability to break into the first-team.
Steer has made 13 League One appearances for the Addicks this season, conceding 18 goals and keeping four clean sheets. The majority of polled supporters, however, aren’t convinced that he’s worth being recalled.
Aston Villa fans, should Dean Smith recall Jed Steer from his loan spell at Charlton Athletic in January? #AVFC
— Crippy Cooke (@CrippyCooke) December 11, 2018
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