Aston Villa are quickly looking to do their business in the transfer market ahead of their return to the Premier League, but they have had an initial £8 million bid turned down for Cardiff City goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

It is believed the Bluebirds are looking for a price in the region of £10 million if they are going to part ways with the keeper who kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League last season.

However, it seems the links between Villa boss Dean Smith and coach Neil Cutler could play a key role in the negotiations with the Philippines stopper having worked together during their time at Walsall.

Speaking previously about the Villa staff, Etheridge said: "When I arrived, I don't think many people understood me on or off the field.

"I'm quite a complex character and sometimes it takes people time to warm to me.

"But Cuts understood I am laid back and enjoy a joke, but I take my work extremely seriously. He has taken me to another level."