Salomon Kalou has been speaking about his failed move to Aston Villa during the January transfer window, as reported by Berliner Kurier.

What did he say?

The Hertha Berlin forward has suggested that he could have moved to Villa Park in January if it wasn't for problems getting a work permit.

This followed on from conversations with former Chelsea teammate John Terry, with Villa looking for a forward to join Mbwana Samatta through the door, after Wesley's season-ending injury and Jonathan Kodjia's departure.

In the end, Villa signed Spanish striker Borja Baston from Swansea City.

Kalou spoke about the failed move, saying: “England would have appealed to me very much. I got a call from my good friend John Terry, who is now coaching Aston Villa. At that time he was our captain at Chelsea and a real leader. I would have loved to play under him.

“We tried until the end if there was a possibility. But I'm not a European, I don't play in the national team anymore. That was the problem.”

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Lucky escape

Kalou may have been disappointed about the failed move, but Villa shouldn't be, as this has turned out to be a lucky escape for them.

That is because signing Kalou would have been a questionable move for the club, as they would be signing a 34-year-old - who is not even an out-and-out striker - and has started one Bundesliga game this season, coming off the bench four times.

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He may have scored a goal in that time, but having played so few games, it is undoubted that the former Ivory Coast international would be rusty.

Villa are currently just one point ahead of the relegation zone, so they need someone who is able to make an impact for the club, as they bid to maintain their Premier League status - there is no way Kalou is that man.

Meanwhile, one Villa fringe-player is staking a claim to stay involved despite January acquisitions.