According to Birmingham Mail, Aston Villa goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic is linked with a move to Ligue 1 outfit Nantes.
The Croatian goalkeeper endured an erratic campaign at Villa Park since his move from Gent last summer. He has managed to keep only 6 clean sheets, conceding 42 goals in 26 appearances. And his situation got further aggravated when he went AWOL in the latter half of the season, owing to an injury.
In Kalinic’s stead, Jed Steer was forced to return to the Lions main team after cutting short his loan spell with Charlton Athletic.
Surprisingly, the 26-year-old turned as a trump card for Dean Smith in the final phase of the competition, putting a cluster of valourous displays. He managed to keep 6 clean sheets in 16 appearances and his heroics in the play-off semi-final against West Brom really takes the cake.
In fact, Steer made some crucial penalty saves in the shoot-out, one of the reasons why Villa will able to play in Premier league next season. After witnessing his performances, the Lions have decided to extend Steer’s contract until the end of the next season.
Meanwhile, the Villans have also shown interest in Stoke City No 1, Jack Butland as Smith recognizes that having an experienced shot-stopper off the shelf would be crucial in Premier League.
Butland has emerged as one of the top goalkeepers over the course, which earned him 9 caps for Three Lions senior team until now.
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Kalinic’s chances of becoming the Villans’ No 1 once he gets into the fold is looking bleak after Steer’s compelling displays the final phase of Championship last season.
Furthermore, the 29-year-old’s stay at Villa Park would be complicated if Butland opts to play in Premier League next season. The Lions would never find it difficult should Kalinic seek an exit this summer.