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Wolves confirm signing of Aston Villa keeper Matija Sarkic

Wolves have announced the signing of Villa goalkeeper Matija Sarkic on a three-year deal.

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The 23-year-old Montenegro international arrives at Compton on a free transfer and is the club's first signing of this summer window.

Sarkic did not play for Villa's first team, but he caught the eye during a loan spell at Scottish Premiership side Livingston in the first half of 2019/20.

He is set to be sent out on loan next season, too, to gain more senior experience.

Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “We are very happy to welcome Matija, who is a promising young goalkeeper with lots of potential.

"We hope that he will be a success at Wolves and with his loan club next season.”

Sarkic had a few offers on the table, but Wolves were always his preferred destination.

New signing Matija Sarkic (Photo credit: Wolves)

Born in Grimsby to a Montenegrin father and British mother, he rose through the youth ranks at Belgian side Anderlecht before joining Villa five years ago.

He has had loan spells at Wigan, Stratford Town and Havant & Waterlooville, as well as Livingston.

Sarkic made 18 appearances in Scotland before being recalled by Villa in January because of Tom Heaton's knee injury.

He made his Montenegro bow last November, in a 2-0 victory against Belarus.

Meanwhile, young midfielder Elliot Watt – who made one senior appearance for Wolves, at Sheffield Wednesday in the Carabao Cup in 2018 – has joined Bradford City for an undisclosed fee.