Bluebirds boosted by rivals’ £8m deal

CARDIFF City have been handed a boost after Aston Villa agreed an £8m deal for Burnley goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

The newly-promoted Premier League side have been interested in signing Bluebirds shot-stopper Neil Etheridge this summer - with rumours continuing to persist as Neil Warnock has admitted that the club were ready to listen to offers.

However, it would seem that Villa have turned their attention to England international Heaton, with the 33-year-old due for a medical in the next day or two according to reports.

Villa head coach Dean Smith has been determined to bring in another goalkeeper this summer and it had looked likely that Etheridge would be that man.

Stoke’s Jack Butland had also been a target but it always seemed that Etheridge was the preferred option, with claims of an £8m bid being rejected by the Bluebirds being categorically denied by the club.

Speaking after Cardiff’s 1-0 win over Nice last weekend, Warnock confirmed that no approach had been made, but refused to rule out a departure for the Philippines international.

“As I’ve said before, we’ll listen to anything,” he said. “I’ve not heard anything and I don’t think Neil has.”

When asked if he was worried about Villa stepping up their interest before deadline day, he added: “Not really. I think we’ve got three great keepers. It wouldn’t worry me playing any of three.

“It’s the other end of the field that I’m concerned with really.”