It means that manager Martin O’Neill has so far signed only Tottenham midfielder Wayne Routledge during the January transfer window with just a few hours to go before it closes.

Villa, in a statement, said: “The proposed transfer of American goalkeeper Brad Guzan from Chivas USA has been cancelled after the player’s work permit application was turned down.”

O’Neill said: “We’re very disappointed with the outcome as we were really looking forward to Brad joining us but unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”