Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Chris Sharpe admits the locker room was taken by surprise over news that Omar Cummings was getting a chance at Aston Villa.
Fresh from helping Rapids win the MLS Cup, Cummings was offered trials by Villa, where manager Gerard Houllier is already talking about a three-month loan deal.
Sharpe told tribalfootball.com: "No, Omar had not said anything in the locker room before we departed for the off season. I don't think Omar found out he was headed to Villa until sometime in December as he had been away with the Jamaican National team straight after we won the MLS Cup.
"I think it is a wonderful opportunity for Omar, if the Villa boss is talking about keeping him until March. Everyone wants to play at the highest level and the Premier League is the best in the world.
"I don't think it changes much for us headed into preseason, it is always going to happen when your good players have great seasons they are going to attract interest from top clubs, and Omar has done just that.
"I am sure Gary (Smith) was well aware that something may come up for Omar and if anything Gary will have players in mind to replace him if he was to leave permanently."
