Dean Smith comments on Aston Villa goalkeeper Orjan Nyland

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Aston Villa are signing Lovre Kalinic in the January transfer window.

Aston Villa manager Dean Smith has suggested to The Birmingham Mail that Orjan Nyland already knew that the club were going to sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window.

Villa have agreed a deal with Gent to sign Lovre Kalinic in January, with the Villans paying a transfer fee reported by Sky Sports to be worth £7 million.

The 28-year-old Croatia international goalkeeper will provide Nyland with competition for the number one spot.

Villa manager Smith has suggested that the 28-year-old Norway international goalkeeper already knew that the Championship club were looking for a new goalkeeper.

Smith has also suggested that despite the arrival of Kalinic, Nyland will not be sold next month.

Smith told The Birmingham Mail about Nyland: “He has been aware we have been looking to strengthen in that area. I feel it will be a real competitive area for us now. At the moment Orjan has got the shirt and it is his to keep.”

Promotion push

Villa are challenging for the Championship playoffs this season, and they did need to sign a goalkeeper in the January transfer window in order to enhance their chances of finishing in the top six.

Nyland has shown some encouraging signs in recent weeks, but the 28-year-old is prone to making errors and does not always look comfortable under pressure.