Former Hearts keeper Marian Kello offered a trial at Villa in case Brad Guzan leaves

by Mat Kendrick, Birmingham Mail
Apr 13 2012

ALEX McLeish has offered a trial to former Hearts goalkeeper Marian Kello as Villa consider understudies in case Brad Guzan decides to leave.

Kello is set to arrive at Bodymoor Heath in the next few weeks for specialist coach Terry Gennoe to run the rule over the Slovakian international.

The 27-year-old is available on a Bosman free transfer after being released by mutual consent from the Scottish Premier League club earlier this week.

Villa have held talks with Kello's agents, but despite reports to the contrary elsewhere, a deal is by no means immiment.

Although McLeish has made it clear Shay Given will remain Villa's No.1, the club are looking to ensure they have experienced back up for next season and beyond.

There is a new contract offer on the table for Guzan and the American international is still weighing up whether to re-sign or move for regular football.

Villa, too, are keeping their options open amidst the understandable situation that 27-year-old Guzan's desire to be a first choice prompts his departure.

Kello is available after negotiating his release from Hearts, having been frozen out of the Edinburgh club's plans for three months. He has been prevented from palying since rejecting a move to Austria Vienna on January deadline day.

When asked about Kello last week, McLeish confirmed he is on Villa's radar and it has since emerged he has invited the player for a trial.

"We are looking at the situation with Kello, but it doesn't mean we are signing him as we are looking at a number of goalkeepers," he said.

"We'll try and take goalkeepers on trial if we can if Brad tells us he doesn't want to stay, but our first choice is Brad."

Villa have exercised an option to keep veteran Andy Marshall as third choice keeper for another year. Swiss youth international Benji Siegrist has travelled with the first team squad this season and could go out on loan soon.