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Kilmarnock boss Angelo Alessio confirms Floriano Vanzo deal close

Kilmarnock boss Angelo Alessio confirms Floriano Vanzo deal close
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Killie are also in talks with defender Stephen O'Donnell over a new contract.

Kilmarnock boss Angelo Alessio is closing in on a move for Waasland-Beveren forward Floriano Vanzo.

And the Italian has not given up hope of tying down defender Stephen O'Donnell on a new deal.

Antonio Conte's former right-hand man has been left frustrated by Killie's lack of signings since replacing Steve Clarke this term.

But having secured Liverpool youngster Liam Millar for a second loan stint on Thursday, he now hopes to add former Belgium Under-21 international Vanzo to his Rugby Park squad.

The 25-year-old has spent time on the books at both Parma and Club Brugge before joining Beveren in 2015.

Confirming a deal was imminent, Alessio said: "At the moment he is doing the medical visit and then maybe he can sign a contract. But until that's completed I can't say any more."

And the Ayrshire club's boss says he is also waiting for the English transfer window to shut before seeing what bargains are available south of the border.

"Maybe it will be possible to take some players in tomorrow," he said. "I hope we can get some new additions in for Saturday's game."

Scotland right-back O'Donnell, meanwhile, has knocked back Killie's initial offer after a new three-year deal was tabled.

The 27-year-old's current contract expires at the end of the season but Alessio is confident a compromise can be reached.

He said: "At this moment he is still talking with the club.

"Obviously I want him to extend his contract long term but he is still discussing it with the club.

"For me, it's a situation that's strange as we have now started the season and Stephen has a one-year contract. I think the better moment to extend his contract was before now.

"At 27 years old he is a good player, he can play for many, many years.

"I hope he will sign again because I don't see other problems. I don't know the situation but I hope he signs because he's a good player for the club and for me."

Clarke's replacement suffered agony at the end of his first Ladbrokes Premiership match in charge on Sunday as Rangers struck in the 90th minute to snatch victory.

But Alessio has been left encouraged by the display as he gears up for Saturday's trip to Hamilton.

He said: "At the end of the game we were disappointed with the result but the team played the right way with the right attitude.

"I'm happy with how we played but we have to continue this way."

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General view of Rugby Park, home to Kilmarnock, from 2011
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Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
Championship Group
1Celtic220085275884
2RangersRangers220078255381
3Hearts20114637963
4Kilmarnock20114438652
5St Mirren21014246-446
6Dundee20024659-1341
Relegation Group
1Hibernian21014854-642
2Aberdeen22003749-1241
3Motherwell21015053-340
4Ross County21013459-2533
5St Johnstone20022550-2531
RLivingston21012563-3821
 
First Phase
1Celtic33246380265478
2RangersRangers33243672234975
3Hearts33195946341262
4Kilmarnock33131284334951
5St Mirren33127143843-543
6Dundee331011124454-1041
7Hibernian33912124451-739
8Motherwell33813124651-537
9Aberdeen33811143549-1435
10St Johnstone33710162446-2231
11Ross County3379173256-2430
RLivingston3339212259-3718


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