Sources: Aston Villa race Norwich City to sign Cox
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Sources: Aston Villa race Norwich City to sign Cox

Wayne Veysey
Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Norwich City have emerged as the main rivals to Aston Villa for AFC Wimbledon goalkeeping sensation Matthew Cox, Football Insider has learned.

The two Premier League clubs are battling it out for the young shot-stopper as they look to strengthen their keeper ranks.

A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Villa and Norwich are both lining up moves for Cox.

The 18-year-old is yet to make his senior debut for AFC Wimbledon but was named on the bench for 17 League One games last season.

Sam Walker and Nikola Tzanev shared the gloves as Wimbledon secured an 18th-place finish in League One.

Cox also played twice for England Under-17s last February before signing his first professional deal with the Dons last summer.

However, he now may be set for a move to the Premier League.

Norwich have already bolstered their goalkeeping ranks this summer with the re-signing of Angus Gunn.

The stopper arrived from Southampton earlier this month on a four-year deal.

Gunn will challenge current first-choice Tim Krul, 33, for the number one jersey while veteran Michael McGovern is also under contract.

Aston Villa have already lost second choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton who is set to join Manchester United.

Emiliano Martinez is the undisputed number one while Jed Steer and Lovre Kalinić are also on the books.

Kalinić spent the second half of last season on loan back in Croatia with Hajduk Split but is under contract with Villa until 2023.

Martinez kept a joint club record of 15 Premier League clean sheets last season as he did not miss a minute of action.

In other news, Aston Villa have dropped a huge hint over Jack Grealish's future.

Norwich City
Aston Villa
AFC Wimbledon
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