Aston Villa have again failed in a bid for Lovre Kalinic.

The Birmingham Mail says Villa's attempts to revive a move for Kalinic have failed after a second work permit appeal for the Croatian goalkeeper was rejected.

Villa wanted to make Kalinic their first signing of the transfer window, but their January frustration rumbles on because of red-tape.

The Football Association have turned down a second appeal for a work permit, seemingly because the 25-year-old has won just two caps for his country.