PL dark horse 'closing in' on Aussie as chance with world's best set ...

Another Australian is set to make the move to the Premier League, with Adelaide United goalkeeper Joe Gauci reportedly on the verge of joining Aston Villa.

That is according to Sky Sports News’ Anthony Joseph, who reported on Wednesday that Villa is “closing in on signing” Gauci, who is currently at the Asian Cup with the Socceroos.

Gauci will be a depth option at Villa given the club’s first-choice gloveman Emiliano Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, was voted the world’s best at the position at the Ballon d’Or Ceremony late last year.

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The 23-year-old, who first signed with United ahead of the 2020-21 season after a stint with Melbourne City, had extended in April with Adelaide until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Gauci’s impressive start to the latest A-League season saw him rewarded with a call-up to the Socceroos squad for the Asian Cup.

Speaking to Adelaide United media after receiving the news, Gauci said it was a “proud moment” in his career.

“I think it’s the biggest competition outside the World Cup that Australia can play in, so a real proud moment now to be involved and looking to create some more memories this time around,” Gauci said.

“I just found out [was in the squad] through a message this morning [Friday].

“It’s something that I’ve been aiming towards.

“Coming towards the end of the year, I reflect on the year, and I think at the start of the year, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be in the position that I am now, so I’m very grateful.

“For me, it was to come back to Adelaide [after the November window] and just knuckle down and focus on my performances and hopefully do well enough to get the call-up, which I’ve been able to do.”