Aston Villa have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Karl Darlow, with Leeds United moving ahead of Dean Smith’s side in the race to sign the Newcastle United goalkeeper.

The Championship rivals are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper in the New Year, with Darlow an option.

According to Football Insider, Leeds have edged ahead of Villa in the quest to sign the 28-year-old during the winter window.

So, should Villa act now to get back into contention?

We discuss…

Gary Hutchinson

No, the goalkeeper market is a buyer’s market. There are lots of goalkeepers and only one spot at each team.

Okay, so they miss out on Darlow. No big deal, there’s plenty more fish in the sea.

Keiren Westwood is one, David Stockdale another, maybe even Tom Heaton.

There’s no panic.

Alfie Burns  

It depends on how badly Smith wants Darlow at the end of the day.

There are other good options out there for Villa to consider if Leeds swoop for Darlow, but if he’s the goalkeeper Smith desperately wants, he should make a move now.

You could argue that Villa’s need is greater than Leeds’.

Louie Chandler  

Definitely.

Villa's attack is extremely strong at the moment but they are seriously lacking at the back and the goalkeeping position is the standout area.

Darlow would be the perfect signing and they should do all they can to nick him.

Jacob Potter 

They need to move quickly.

Villa could certainly benefit from having someone of Darlow's calibre in goal.

Orjan Nyland needs someone to be pushing him for a place in the starting XI and Darlow could be perfect for that.

He could be the missing piece of the jigsaw.