Aston Villa swoop for Kalinic
London: Aston Villa have agreed to sign Croatian international goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic, the Championship club announced on Friday. The 28-year-old will officially link up with Villa from Belgian side Gent when the transfer window opens on January 1 and will sign a deal until 2023. "We are delighted to be signing someone of Lovre's experience and quality," Villa boss Dean Smith said on the club's website. "He is an outstanding goalkeeper and we are looking forward to welcoming him when he joins at the beginning of January." Kalinic was a member of the Croatia squad that reached the World Cup final in Russia. Summer signing Orjan Nyland has been first choice this season but has not convinced for Villa, who are chasing a play-off place and host leaders Leeds United on Sunday.
ATK add Edu Garcia to squad
Kolkata: Two-time Indian Super League (ISL) champions Atletico de Kolkata (ATK) have strengthened their squad with the addition of Edu Garcia, a statement said on Saturday. The first signing through the transfer window is Edu, a versatile player who can play as a winger on both sides and is known for creating chances down the flanks. The winger, who will be seen in ATK jersey, used to play for Zhejiang Greentown FC. He has also played for Bengaluru FC in the year 2017 as their midfielder and is familiar with the competition. Earlier, they announced the signing of India right-back Pritam Kotal from Delhi Dynamos.
Peru to face Paraguay in friendly
Lima: Peru will play international friendlies against Latin American rivals Paraguay and El Salvador in March, the Peruvian Football Federation (FPF) has announced. Both matches will be held in the United States and will provide Peru's players with a last chance to impress head coach Ricardo Gareca before he chooses his squad for the 2019 Copa America. The Blanquirroja will face Paraguay in New York on March 22 and El Salvador in Washington four days later, according to an FPF statement, issued on Friday. Peru suffered friendly losses to Ecuador and Costa Rica in their most recent outings last month. The Copa America will be played in five Brazilian cities from June 14 to July 7.
Bastos mulling options for 2019
Rio De Janerio: Former Brazil international midfielder Michel Bastos has said he is considering offers from several local clubs as he prepares to extend his professional career to an 18th season. The 35-year-old's contract with Brazilian Serie A champions Palmeiras will expire on December 31, meaning he is free to join another club on a free transfer. "I've been approached by some [Brazilian] Serie A teams, but no decision has been made yet about my future," Bastos told Globo Esporte on Friday night. "I'm going to have a meeting with my manager over the next few days to sort some things out but it's likely that I'll be joining another [Brazilian] club," he added.