“No brainer” – Sheff Utd is asked to break ties with Swedish national team player Robin Olsen when Villa strike
Championship team Sheffield United have been asked to end their loan to Robin Olsen amid rumors of a switch to Aston Villa.
The 53-year-old Swedish national team player came to United on loan from Roma this summer. He made his debut in September’s 2-2 draw against Preston and appeared in the next 10 league matches.
Olsen’s form soon came into question, however, and he lost his starting place in November. The 32-year-old has not been able to secure Wes Foderingham since then, with the Englishman holding four zeros in his last five matches.
That is what transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Olsen has already agreed on personal terms with Aston Villa when he looks to leave Bramall Lane. Steven Gerrard aims to make him Villa’s fourth signing in the January transfer window.
Former United striker Paddy Kenny, who made 314 appearances in seven years at the club, thinks it’s time to get rid of him.
He told Football Insider: “Listen here, for me it’s a no brainer. If he has the chance to go to Villa it’s fair enough, it’s a good move for them, he’s just here on loan anyway.
I was not impressed by Olsen – Kenny
“I can not see him come back in the team and I was not impressed with him when he played.
“It’s just my opinion. Get him out and get him off the payroll and it gives us the chance to get someone else in. That person can actually be of use to us instead of sitting on the bench and doing nothing.
“It’s about getting rid of a player who does not contribute and having the opportunity to bring in a quality player. It just makes sense to me. “
United had been involved in recruiting Scotland midfielder John Souttar from Hearts. But the defender is about to complete a pre-contract deal with Rangers, who will see him move to Ibrox this summer.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side face Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday afternoon. Villa will receive Manchester United at 17:30 on the same day.
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Gerrard details Coutinho, Digne plan
Meanwhile, Gerrard has been talking about when New recruits Philippe Coutinho and Lucas Digne will make their debuts at Villa.
“They are available [against Man Utd]. Philippe has been training for three days now without any problems, Gerrard tells reporters. “Obviously we have to build up his match sharpness and match condition.
“Lucas is a little different. He has been involved in group training for quite some time and he has been available for Everton before he came.
“So, yes, they are both available in the group and they are both in a good place. But obviously the decisions will come on the back of information we have had about both players in recent days.”
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