Aston Villa are closing in on a deal for Bulgarian keeper Dimitar Sheytanov who spent time on trial with Leeds United in the summer.

According to reports emerging from Bulgaria, Villa are close to making him their latest keeper signing, after recalling Jed Steer from Charlton and bringing in Lovre Kalinic from Gent.

The keeper posted footage of himself on trial with Leeds against Ossett Town in the summer, but the move never materialised. The Bulgarian report suggests that Levski Sofia wanted too much money at the time for the deal to progress.

That's no longer an issue as the stopper became a free agent on January 1st and he's now set to emerge at Aston Villa, joining the growing ranks of keepers fighting for attention.

He's likely to take a place in their Under 23 squad and is very much one for the future. He is highly rated in his homeland and likely to be pushing the senior keepers for a place on the bench sooner rather than later.

The Verdict

This signing is one of those likely to slip under the radar at first, but with the right training and experience Sheytanov could become a top keeper.

The fact he's been scouted by Leeds, and had a trial there, tells you of his immense potential. The trouble with potential is that it means nothing unless you make the most of it.

Now he's going to be at a big English club, he'll have every opportunity to realise his potential.