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For £7m, this 6ft 7in Croatian giant could be an outstanding signing for Dean Smith’s Aston Villa

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Why Aston Villa should go all out for Lovre Kalinic in January

According to a report from Sky Sports, Aston Villa are interested in signing Gent goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic in January. The report claims the 28-year-old would cost around £7million with his current club Gent seemingly set to lose their prized asset.

Lovre Kalinic has been a long-term target for Aston Villa, who, in fact, had agreed on a deal to sign the goalkeeper back in 2016, only for the transfer to collapse due to a lack of a work permit.

Lovre Kalinic, who started his career at Hajduk Split, was a part of the Croatia squad that reached the 2018 World Cup final in Russia. However, he has now become the nation’s No.1 shot-stopper following Daniel Subasic’s retirement.

Aston Villa rekindling their interest in the Croatian goalkeeper could be down to Orjan Nyand’s shaky performances this season. Nyland joined Aston Villa from German club FC Ingolstadt earlier this summer but has made some costly errors in his first season at the club. The Norwegian came under heavy criticism in Villa’s entertaining 5-5 draw with Nottingham Forest last month.

Nyland has had a rough time in his short career at Villa Park but he has also enjoyed a bit of resurgence under Dean Smith. The 6ft 4in goalkeeper produced arguably his best performance against Middlesbrough earlier this month, suggesting that he has all the tools to star between the sticks for Aston Villa.

But for a side chasing promotion this term, they simply cannot afford to have an unreliable presence in goal and despite Smith having backed Nyland since taking the reins at Villa, the Norwegian has failed to repay the manager’s faith on the whole. That said, signing Kalinic makes complete sense for the Midlands club.

Kalinic has been one of the most underrated goalkeepers across Europe for some time now, having won the Belgian Pro League’s goalkeeper of the season award back in 2017 while helping Gent reach the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time.

The 6ft 7in ace is a commanding presence in goal and never shies away from barking out orders to his teammates while defending set-pieces or corners. He has a safe pair of hands and while his distribution remains questionable, the Croat’s European pedigree would make him a terrific fit for Villa.

Read more: Aston Villa signing Mile Jedinak’s 27-year-old compatriot would add tremendous depth to their strong squad

Kalinic will certainly solve a lot of Villa’s defensive problems. He is clearly an upgrade on Nyland and would be a real coup for Dean Smith’s Villa as they push for promotion this campaign.

Aston Villa

Bruno Fernandes Reveals What He Admires About Jess Park’s Game as Man United Captain Praises Fellow Number Eight’s Smashing Season

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Bruno Fernandes' admiration for Jess Park's impressive skills as he praises her standout season.

Bruno Fernandes is a big fan of Manchester United Women midfielder Jess Park. The Portugal international shares the number eight shirt with Park and has been impressed by her debut campaign following her summer move from Manchester City.

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Park has registered nine goals and five assists since joining from crosstown rivals in an impressive first season. The England international has won United’s Player of the Month award a team high four times, which demonstrates her consistent quality.

Not as Easy as It Looks

Fernandes watched back some of Park’s best moments for United, including her Goal of the Month winner against the London City Lionesses. The midfielder came in off the left flank to beat her marker before driving into space and picking out the far bottom corner.

“It all starts with the first touch. She gets the control there away from the player, she gets a lot of space to then run. Then the speed to run quick like that and then to be very accurate with the shot, it’s a very good thing. It’s not as easy as it looks,” Fernandes explained, which is an absolutely spot on analysis.

Lot of Futsal in That Goal

The United captain also praised Park’s winner against Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. Park helped start the move with a dribble from deep before getting into the box and finishing by picking out the far top corner.

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“We spoke about the number eight shirt, and she was in the middle, creating and dictating the tempo. Then she follows up and she ends up in the box with the opportunity to finish. I think the finish is fantastic. There’s a lot of futsal in that goal there,” Fernandes said.

Very Quick With Her Feet

Fernandes watched Park’s solo effort at Aston Villa, which won another Goal of the Month prize. “She’s very quick with her feet and goes onto her left foot, which the defender was probably not expecting,” he acknowledged.

Also read: Hanna Lundkvist Makes Feelings Known After Manchester United Women Stalemate Against West Ham

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Khadija Shaw Scores Record Breaking Hattrick in ‘This’ Time as Manchester City Thrash Tottenham 5-2

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Khadija Shaw's incredible hat trick in 21 minutes propels Manchester City to a 5-2 victory over Tottenham, securing a commanding lead in the title race.

Khadija Shaw produced a sensational performance at the Joie Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The Jamaican striker netted a hat trick in just 21 minutes as Manchester City demolished Tottenham 5-2 to extend their lead at the summit to seven points with four matches left.

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Shaw’s treble set a new WSL record for the fastest three goals, beating Kelly Smith’s mark from 2014. City responded emphatically to last weekend’s goalless draw at Aston Villa, with Kerolin and an Amanda Nilden own goal completing the rout before halftime.

Fourth Successive Treble Against Spurs

Shaw opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving City an early advantage. Spurs hit back immediately through Olivia Holdt, which briefly threatened to make things interesting. However, the Cityzens’ response was brutal and decisive.

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Shaw restored the lead with a towering header just two minutes later. Her third arrived shortly after breaking Smith’s 12 year record, which is absolutely remarkable. It marked Shaw’s fourth successive hat trick in home league games against Tottenham, which demonstrates her dominance over Martin Ho’s side.

Cruised to Victory After Halftime Blitz

Lauren Hemp provided the assist for Kerolin’s fourth before Vivianne Miedema saw her header deflect in off Nilden. Five goals before the break allowed Andree Jeglertz to rest key players in the second period.

Spurs grabbed a late consolation through Beth England but suffered back to back WSL defeats for the first time this season. City, meanwhile are closing in on its first title since 2016, which is frankly long overdue for a club of their stature.

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Shaw now has 18 WSL goals this campaign, double the tally of her nearest challenger. A third consecutive Golden Boot appears certain alongside the championship trophy.

Also read: Oxford United Still in Shock After Devastating Loss of 15 Year Old Academy Goalkeeper as Club Pays Tribute to Teenage Talent

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Aston Villa Shirts Slashed to ‘This’ Price in Limited Time Flash Sale as Club Offers Huge Discount on 2025-26 Home Away and Third Kits Until Monday

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Aston Villa Women shirts are now only £30 in our flash sale.

Aston Villa Women supporters can grab this season’s shirts for just £30 in a surprise flash sale that runs until Monday morning. The club have slashed prices from £85 to £30, representing a massive 65 percent discount on home, away, and third kits, which is absolutely brilliant news for fans.

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The sale includes all short sleeve versions of the 2025-26 jerseys, with the deadline set for 9.30 am on Monday, March 23. This means supporters have just days to take advantage of the offer, which undercuts other retailers, including Fanatics, where the same shirts cost over £36.

Kids Kits Start at Just £20

While the women’s shirts are now available for £30, the kids versions start at an even better value at just £20, which is frankly exceptional. The deals are live at the Aston Villa Official Store and represent some of the cheapest prices seen for WSL team kits this season.

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The timing coincides with a crucial period for Natalia Arroyo’s side, who sit ninth in the Women’s Super League table. Villa have lost their last four WSL matches, including the recent defeat to Manchester City, and desperately need points in their remaining fixtures.

Sale Follows Launch of Originals Collection

The flash sale follows last month’s launch of the Aston Villa adidas Originals Collection, which includes retro tracksuits, tees, and jumpers. The Originals Track Top costs £85, while the Crew Sweater is priced at £75, with both items featuring classic claret and blue designs.

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However, select sizes in the Originals range have already sold out, demonstrating the popularity of Villa merchandise among supporters. The club’s store, run by Fanatics, has received thousands of positive reviews on Trustpilot, with customers praising quick delivery and product quality.

Villa supporters attending upcoming matches at Villa Park will now be able to do so in official club colors without breaking the bank, thanks to this limited time offer.

Also read: Marc Skinner Blasts Man United Women After Latest Chelsea Loss, Calls The Blues’ Goals ‘Rubbish’

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