Former Swindon Town Loanee Attracting Premier League Interest

Premier League side Aston Villa are interested in signing former Swindon Town and Burton Albion loanee Matej Kovar, reports Czech outlet Idnes.

The 23-year-old spent last season on loan from Manchester United in his native Czech Republic, appearing 32 times for Sparta Prague as they secured the Czech First League title, with the Red Devils “working on the option” of allowing Kovar to leave on loan again this season.

Reports suggest Championship side Hull City would be the front runners if the shot-stopper were to leave Old Trafford temporarily once more, although Aston Villa and Spanish side Cadiz have also expressed interest in a permanent deal.

Yet to make a first-team appearance in Manchester, Kovar has spent two spells out on loan in League One with Burton Albion and Swindon Town.

The ‘keeper headed to the County Ground in 2020 for a season-long loan at Swindon, but the deal was cut short in January after he kept one clean sheet in 21 games for the Robins. It was expected that the Czech U21 international would link up with another EFL club, however, he returned to the U23 side at Carrington.

A year would pass before 6ft 5″ Kovar would get another move to England’s third tier, as he joined Burton Albion in January 2022 until the end of the season. Initially signing as a backup to Ben Garratt, Manchester United’s number 38 worked his way into the first team, keeping four clean sheets in six appearances.

His performances were rewarded with a new contract until June 2025, with the option of a further year.

Writer’s View

Karl Darlow ended last season’s campaign as the man between the sticks for Hull City, but he has since completed a permanent move to Leeds United from Newcastle. With the 32-year-old out of the running for a return to the MKM Stadium, it could provide a chance for the young Manchester United keeper to stake his claim.

Competition could be fierce at Aston Villa, and he would face little chance of uprooting the firm grip that Emi Martinez has on the number one spot at Villa Park anytime soon.