According to a report from the Guardian, West Ham considered a move for Aston Villa’s Lovre Kalinic before they completed the signing of Darren Randolph from Middlesbrough.

The 32-year-old Republic of Ireland international has joined the Hammers on a three-and-a-half year deal for around £4 million (The Guardian).

It was touch and go whether West Ham would actually go through with the deal so sign their former player, however.

Randolph’s medical proved to be complicated and problematic, but after extensive checks, he was deemed to be fit enough to join the Hammers.

Had West Ham not signed the 32-year-old, however, they could have moved for Aston Villa stopper Lovre Kalinic, according to the Guardian.

The 29-year-old joined Villa from Gent in January last year for around £7 million (The Telegraph).

The 19-capped Croatia international has struggled to establish himself at Villa Park, however, making just eight appearances for the west Midlands outfit.

Considering the Villans’ current problems in goal though, they would have been unlikely to sell Kalinic to West Ham. Especially taking into account the fact that the east London outfit are their relegation rivals.

Villa have just signed Pepe Reina, but that was only on a short-term deal, so the 6ft 7in goalkeeper will surely still be needed at the club over the next few years.

It all matters little now, however. The Hammers have signed Darren Randolph. And it looks as though the Croatian stopper will remain with Aston Villa for the time being at least.