The goalkeeping merry-go-round is starting to creak into action with Everton and Aston Villa along for the ride.
A year and a half after the FA prevented Aston Villa from completing their £4.9 million deal for Hajduk Split goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic, could the Midlanders return to finally rubber stamp the Croatian’s move to England?
The Birmingham Mail reported that Villa were all ready to cross the T’s and dot the I’s on an agreement to bring the 6ft 6ins stopper to the Premier League, only for the governing body to prevent the deal going through as he apparently did not fit the ‘elite player’ criteria required to earn a work permit.
Now, however, The Sun claims that Kalinic could finally be set for England. He’s swapped Split for Belgian side Gent in the last 12 months, helping dump Tottenham Hotspur out of the Europa League, and the publication claims that his price tag has swelled to £10 million with Everton and West Ham chasing his signature.
Although, since these reports broke, Foot Sur 7 claimed that the top flight duo have been scouting St Etienne’s Stephane Ruffier. The 30-year-old France international is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in France and, due to his experience at the top level, may represent a safer addition for a Premier League side.
Furthermore, the Liverpool Echo report that Everton have identified Sunderland’s Jordan Pickford as their ideal number one, suggesting that Kalinic is some way down the pecking order.
Therefore, this could open up a route for Villa to finally solve their goalkeeping problems with the addition of the 26-year-old. He is now an established Croatian international, playing three times for his country since the start of the season after earning a place in their Euro 2016 squad.
Furthermore, his impressive performances in Europe have brought him greater attention on the continent.
Consequently, the FA would have little reason to block the deal this time around.
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