According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa goalkeepers Lovre Kalinic and Orjan Nyland could leave in January – speculation which may be of interest to Derby County.
Villa have four goalkeepers on their books. With Tom Heaton a regular and Jed Steer his understudy, it leaves the two abovementioned shot-stoppers questioning their future.
The report claims Kalinic is looking for an exit in January just one year after moving to Villa Park. Nyland, meanwhile, is seeking more first-team opportunities.
(Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images).
But should Derby be interested in the pair?
Derby allowed Scott Carson to leave last summer while retaining Kelle Roos as number one. Ben Hamer, meanwhile, joined as his back-up on a season-long loan deal.
Roos is a decent shot-stopper. That can’t be questioned. However, the Dutchman has a major weakness when it comes to defending crosses and the opposition know it.
Of the 15 goals the Rams have conceded this term, nine have come from set-pieces.
Ironically, Villa profited from Roos’s indecision in last season’s playoff final, with midfielder John McGinn beating the goalkeeper to the ball to head the Villans into a 2-0 lead.
Kalinic, standing at 6ft 7inch, doesn’t have a problem dominating the box. The 29-year-old joined Villa from Gent last January and made eight appearances for the club.
With 18 caps for Croatia and a World Cup runners up medal, Kalinic has plenty of experience. However, playing out from the back may not be his strong point.
Nyland, on the other hand, is more able with the ball at his feet. Capped 27 times by Norway, the 29-year-old made 23 Championship appearances for Villa last term.
(Photo by Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images).
Nyland, however, ruptured his Achilles at the end of last year. He hasn’t featured for Villa since, but he remains fit and takes part in first-team training.
Derby would be wise to consider either as a long-term option to compete with Kelle Roos.
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