Garde hints at signing Croatian giant Lovre Kalinic

While Remi Garde has appeared somewhat inactive thus far in the January transfer window, that might be about to change. It has been no secret that since last season, when it became apparent that Brad Guzan was no longer an above-average (or even average) Premier League keeper, Villa's managers have been on a search to find a new number one. Tim Sherwood set his sights high as he chased former Stoke City keeper Asmir Begovic, who ultimately decided for Chelsea, forcing Sherwood to settle on Mark Bunn. While Bunn performed admirably this weekend and last Tuesday against Crystal Palace, it's still very likely that he doesn't have all that it takes to be a Premier League number one - if he did, he probably wouldn't have been without a club this summer.

Recent reports in the press have suggested that Remi Garde has decided on the Croatian goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic as his first priority this window. Kalinic is a mountain of a man standing at 6 foot 7, or 2 meters high. There has been much speculation as to the fee Villa may be willing to pay for the 25 year old - reports have varied from £3 million to £5 million.

After Tuesday's victory, Remi Garde was asked about Kalinic. He replied by saying "I am looking for a goalkeeper and it might be this one." Straightforward enough. While many fans believe that Villa should limit spending this window as we still face an enormous task to avoid relegation and should prepare for the financial difficulties of a Premier League wage bill in the Championship, this is likely the one situation where most Villa fans can agree that money would be well spent. We are in desperate need of a new goalkeeper, and let's hope that Kalinic meets expectations.

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