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Dean Smith has completed his first purchase as Aston Villa boss, with The Telegraph reporting a £7million deal has been reached for Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic.
What’s the word?
The Telegraph had reported that Smith and Villa executives were scouting a new number one following doubts in summer signing Orjan Nyland, and believe the Gent shot-stopper will provide the quality between the sticks to aid the Claret and Blue Army’s promotion push.
The Belgian club were said to be seeking between £5-10million for the 28-year-old’s services, with a deal now struck at £6m.
Kalinic flew into Birmingham on Wednesday as he prepared for his Villans medical, with the final touches made to the deal on Thursday.
The Croatian international won’t be eligible to play until the transfer window opens on January 1, meaning Smith will have to make do with Nyland for fixtures against Leeds United, Swansea City and Ipswich Town.
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The end for Moreira
With a new goalkeeper arriving at Bodymoor Heath, the Birmingham outfit may decide to terminate the loan deal of Atletico Madrid’s Andre Moreira.
The 23-year-old is currently with the Championship side on loan from his Spanish parent side, but has featured just twice for the Lions – taking to the field against Yeovil and Burton in the EFL Cup.
Both matches came prior to Smith’s appointment as Steve Bruce’s successor, and the 47-year-old is yet to call on any goalkeeper bar Nyland – Jed Steer, before his Charlton move, and Mark Bunn both registered a single league start under Bruce.
Kalinic’s arrival could now spell the end to Moreira’s English stint as the Portuguese goalie will likely be the third-choice should he stay at the club.
Kalinic has been targeted after the Croatian registered five clean sheets in 18 games this season, a greater hit rate than Nyland’s five in 20.
