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Andre Moreira’s season-long loan spell at Aston Villa could be cut short in January, boss Dean Smith has confirmed.

The goalkeeper hasn’t played a single minute in the league or even made it into Smith’s matchday 18 this term.

And following the signing of Lovre Kalinic from Gent, Moreira’s chances will be further limited.

“At the moment Andre has not really been pushing,” Smith said of the Atletico Madrid loanee.

“It is something we will look at in January.

“I have spoken to Andre about that already.

“He was not a goalkeeper I was aware of when I first came into the club.

“We don’t really think he has been pushing Orjan as much as we would like.

“That is only our opinion. We will see whether he goes back to his parent club and take it from there.”

Smith reckons current No.1 Orjan Nyland will BENEFIT from Kalinic’s arrival, though.

“He has been aware we have been looking to strengthen in that area,” Smith added.

“I feel it will be a real competitive area for us now.

“At the moment Orjan has got the shirt and it is his to keep.

“He has had a run of 10 games with me and has kept four clean sheets. Long may that continue.

“But we wanted to strengthen in certain areas and that was one. It is a great signing for us.”