The Aston Villa boss was close to signing the 24-year-old in January but the goalkeeper was denied work permit clearance.

"As everyone knows we chased him last January and were hopeful at the tribunal for the work permit and it was narrowly defeated," O'Neill told the club's official website.

"Since then he has played quite a number of games for the USA - not only in friendly matches but also in competitive games by playing a couple of matches in the World Cup.

"His position would have improved immensely - so we are very hopeful."