:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50156923/usa-today-9370653.0.jpg)
John Percy of The Telegraph reports that Brad Guzan is nearing a move to Middlesbrough.
Aston Villa are ready to grant Brad Guzan a free transfer in a bid to speed up his move to Middlesbrough.
Guzan has been targeted by Middlesbrough as goalkeeper back-up and Villa are prepared to let the United States international leave the club for nothing.
Guzan has one-year left on his deal, but Villa doesn't appear to keen on retaining his services. The writing was on the wall that he would leave Aston Villa when they made a move for Hellas Verona goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
Middlesbrough earned promotion to the Premier League after finishing in second place in the Championship last season. They already have three goalkeepers on the roster: Dimitrios Konstantopoulos, Tomas Mejias, and Victor Valdes. Should Guzan be the automatic number one in that group? Probably not, but he certainly has the talent and ability to earn the job.
Guzan needed to have a strong performance at the Copa America Centenario after a disastrous year for club and country. He performed above and beyond the call of duty, leading the USMNT to the semifinals and silencing most of the doubters.
If he is unable to earn the starting job at Middlesbrough, then U.S. fans should be slightly concerned. International goalkeepers are expected to play at the club level or risk losing their edge. With Tim Howard likely to get steady minutes in MLS, Guzan's back could be against the wall in a reserve role.