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Aston Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic is said to be close to sealing a loan move away from the club.

The Montenegro youth international is set to join League One side Charlton Athletic, according to reports.

A number of Football League clubs are said to have expressed an interest in signing the stopper on loan but Charlton have emerged as the front-runners to secure his services.

You can follow all the latest Villa transfer news live here.

Sarkic joined Villa in the summer of 2015 from Belgian club Anderlecht, who were also responsible for the developments of Premier League big hitters Vincent Kompany and Romelu Lukaku.

He originally signed a three-year deal at Villa Park before extending his contract until 2020 last summer.

Although he is yet to make his senior debut, Sarkic was included in the bench by Steve Bruce for a number of Championship matches last term.

But Sarkic has slipped down the goalkeeping pecking order following the arrival of two new faces in that position, with Bruce prepared to allow him to gain experience out on loan.

Villa have landed Norway international Orjan Nyland from Ingolstadt for around £1million, a deal which came hot on the heels of the season-long loan capture of Andre Moreira from Atletico Madrid.

Bruce now has four senior goalkeepers to choose from in Nyland, Moreira, Jed Steer and Mark Bunn.

“It’s complicated for us with the goalkeeper because we need cover,” Bruce said when asked why he needs so many shot-stoppers.

“It’s a big position. Jed is a very capable goalkeeper. He’s had 20 months of trying to get himself fit and he understands that we’ve done it (signed two new goalkeepers) because we’re short.”

Sam Johnstone had been Villa's first-choice between the sticks before the former Manchester United loanee signed permanently for West Bromwich Albion earlier this summer.

Steer made a fine save to deny Jarrod Bowen at a crucial time in Monday night's victory at Hull City.

Goals from Tommy Elphick, Ahmed Elmohamady and Alan Hutton sealed a win - but the game was evenly poised at 1-1 when Steer came to the rescue.

“He stood up well to make a big save, he’s a great pro and I’m delighted,” said Bruce.

“He’s as brave as a lion and he stays big (for that save).

“I hope that he stays injury-free.”

Moreira signed on a season-loan loan and is still getting used to his new surroundings.

And Nyland has put pen-to-paper on a three-year deal and upon arriving, said: "I'm looking forward to playing for this big club and can't wait to get started.

"Everything has moved very quickly and I'm really happy to be here and call myself a Villa player.

"I also can't wait to play in front of the fans – I've heard they're quite fantastic. I'm looking forward to experiencing their support for myself.

"This club belongs in the Premier League and I'm keen to play a part in getting us back there."

Goalkeeping coach Gary Walsh will take a closer look at all three in the times ahead and report his findings back to Bruce who then selects the team.

Bunn was on the bench against Hull but has largely been a back-up goalkeeper in recent years.