Aston Villa 'officially bid' for Celtic target in bargain transfer attempt

Aston Villa have sent a formal bid to sign Iceland international goalkeeper Hákon Rafn Valdimarsson but face competition from Celtic, Copenhagen and several other clubs.

The Villans are attempting to bring in a new backup to Emiliano Martinez at a bargain rate with current understudy Robin Olsen lacking reliability. Valdimarsson, attainable for merely a few million, could be a great solution as he has been a standout shot-stopper in the Swedish Allsvenskan.

Valdimarsson conceded just 22 goals in 29 league appearances throughout the 2022/23 season, keeping a remarkable 14 clean sheets. The new campaign doesn't start until the end of March as football is a summer sport in Sweden, so the 22-year-old, who let in a goal every 116 minutes on average, is currently enjoying a break.

Transfer news journalist Fabrizio Romano reports Villa have lodged a formal offer of €2 million (£1.72 million) in an attempt to sign Valdimarsson. Copenhagen, meanwhile, have sent a slightly lower bid of €1.7 million (£1.46 million). Celtic, on the other hand, are yet to follow up on their interest.

Romano claims "several clubs" in addition to Villa, Copenhagen and Celtic are keen, so "nothing is done yet". With such a bargain deal available, Unai Emery's side will have to be on the buzzer to ensure they secure their new backup goalkeeper.