Aston Villa 'secure' first January transfer as £7.7m domino effect begins

Aston Villa are nearing the signing of Red Star Belgrade right-back Kosta Nedeljković on a permanent transfer, according to a reputable report.

A long-term target the club have scouted for years, Nedeljković is one of Serbia's most promising young talents. Although not someone to come in immediately due to a loan back to Red Star upon completion of the deal, the 18-year-old is expected to help Villa at right-back for years to come.

Transfer news specialist Fabrizio Romano reports talks are at the final stages for a deal worth less than €9 million (£7.7 million). Nedeljković will stay at Red Star until the end of the season, before joining up with his new Villa teammates in the summer.

Currently a Serbia Under-19 international, Nedeljković's 2023 was quite the breakout year as he established himself as a fairly regular starter for Red Star. He particularly impressed in the Champions League against Manchester City, as he helped keep former Villa favourite Jack Grealish quiet.

Nedeljković's siging, once completed, is likely to trigger somewhat of a domino effect as Calum Chambers has been told he can depart this month. Unai Emery has never really taken to the former Arsenal defender and won't be too concerned about seeing him go, as long as it's for the correct price.

Meanwhile, fellow right-back Kaine Kesler-Hayden was recently recalled from his season-long loan at Plymouth Argyle. It awaits to be seen if the 21-year-old will stick around for the remainder of the campaign, but he would provide immediate cover for Chambers if he did.