Brad Guzan offered new Aston Villa contract

Brad Guzan

Aston Villa have offered a new contract to United States goalkeeper Brad Guzan.

But Villa boss Alex McLeish is unsure whether the 27-year-old wants to stay as number one Shay Given's understudy.

Guzan has made just six Premier League starts since arriving at Villa Park in August 2008 and may decide to seek first-team football elsewhere.

"We will give Brad time. It depends on how long though. We have made the offer and we respect that Brad needs time to mull it over," McLeish said.

"I understand the dilemma he is facing but, at the same time, it is not like he is second in command to Joe Hart who is only 24.

"Shay is 35 now and, when Brad has come in, he has proved himself to be a Premier League keeper. Now we know he is Premier League class.

"Brad probably realises that if Shay has a niggle or a problem, or we are going to do anything in the cup competitions, we are going to put him in."

Guzan, who arrived from Major League Soccer side Chivas USA in a reported £2m deal, has found himself behind fellow American Brad Friedel and now Given in the Villa pecking order.

He has made 32 appearances in all competitions for the club.

McLeish allowed Guzan to spend four months on loan at Championship side Hull City last season, where he made 16 league appearances.