Aston Villa have turned their sights towards signing Robin Olsen after suffering a transfer blow over Darren Randolph...

What's the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested Steven Gerrard's side were keen on landing the Republic of Ireland international, with an enquiry having already been made for the West Ham goalkeeper.

But now, according to journalist Alex Crook, Villa have failed in their pursuit of the Hammers man, and have instead lined up a swoop for Sheffield United loanee Olsen.

Writing on Twitter, he said: "#AVFC now turning their attentions to Robin Olsen after failing to land Darren Randolph."

Villa making moves

On loan from AS Roma, Olsen has played 11 times in the Championship this season for the Blades, but has fallen out of contention in recent weeks and months after being a virtual ever-present for the opening of the campaign.

With 53 caps for Sweden, the 32-year-old is a highly-experienced campaigner who of course has had previous experience of playing in the top-flight.

Indeed, the 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was impressive over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last year, helping to keep two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and also making three saves per game too.

While the signing of Olsen himself is hardly like to set hearts aflutter in Villa fans - especially when you consider they have just signed Philippe Coutinho in recent days - it should still be a move that has supporters very much impressed though.

Gerrard's side have been quick and decisive in this transfer window, taking advantage of every opportunity that has arisen and come their way.

Whether it was snapping up Coutinho on loan and Gerrard using his pull and previous links to the Brazilian, or swooping in ahead of the likes of Chelsea to land Digne, Villa have been very fast to act.

Now, Crook's update that after hitting a roadblock in trying to sign Randolph, they have already lined up an alternative target in Olsen suggests a highly thought-out planning structure that bodes well for their future recruitment.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is now set to join their Premier League rivals...