Aston Villa are ready to grant Brad Guzan a free transfer in a bid to speed up his move to Middlesbrough.

Guzan has been targeted by Middlesbrough as goalkeeper back-up and Villa are prepared to let the United States international leave the club for nothing. The 31-year-old was the No. 1 goalkeeper under managers Paul Lambert and Tim Sherwood but he was targeted by supporters last season during the club's nightmare campaign.

He has one year remaining on his contract and Villa will cut their losses as they attempt to trim their squad and wage bill.