Aston Villa will reportedly attempt to sell Croatian goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic in the upcoming January transfer window.
According to Football Insider, the ‘keeper’s time at Villa is coming to an end after failing to secure a place in the first team.
Indeed, it’s thought that the Midlands club will look to cash in on the Croatia international in the winter window after failing to offload him during the summer.
The 29-year-old, who is valued at £3.6 million (Transfermarkt), joined the Birmingham club in January this year after making a move from Belgian side Genk for a fee of £5.4 million (per Transfermarkt). Since joining Villa, Kalinic has only made eight appearances for the club, as well as one appearance playing for the U23’s.
This season, Kalinic has found himself as Villa’s fourth choice goalkeeper behind Tom Heaton, Jed Steer and Orjan Nyland.
Given that both Heaton and Steer are currently out with injuries, perhaps Kalinic will make it onto the substitutes’ bench if Heaton remains out of the side, with Orjan Nyland potentially getting the nod as number one.
TIF Tactics
Kalinic’s time at Villa has been uneventful and unsuccessful. His current contract at Villa doesn’t end until 2023, but the probability of him seeing out that time as Villa’s fourth choice ‘keeper is slim to none. The best thing now for both parties would be to do exactly what Villa are reportedly trying to do – move him on to a club that can provide him with regular minutes, which would clear space in Villa’s wage gap.