Report: Everton Nears £9M Signing of Hajduk Split Ace Nikola Vlasic
Everton are reportedly close to securing their ninth signing of the summer by landing Hajduk Split's Nikola Vlasic for a fee of around £9m.
The Guardian has reported that Ronald Koeman's side are in advanced talks to capture the talented midfielder from their recent Europa League opponents ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline day.
Vlasic has been chased by a number of European giants ever since he made his senior Hajduk debut in 2014, but it is Everton who will take a chance on bringing him to the Premier League if their talks over personal terms prove to be successful.
Koeman is still keen to recruit a striker and left-back cover before the 2017 window slams shut on 31st August, but that has not stopped the Toffees gaffer from also wanting to strengthen other areas of his squad.
Vlasic, who impressed Koeman during the recent two legged play-off tie, has netted 12 goals and 20 assists in 119 appearances for Hajduk, but it is his physicality, teamwork and ability to play anywhere across the forward line that has truly endeared him to the legendary Dutchman.
With the 19-year-old in the final 12 months of his contract at Stadion Poljud, the chances of Vlasic penning a new deal with his current club are looking increasingly unlikely, and it may be in their best interests to cash in on him now rather than lose him on a free transfer next July.
The eight-times Croatia international would vie with the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Ademola Lookman, Aaron Lennon and Yannick Bolasie for a likely place on the wings for the Blues, and would be a suitable replacement for the apparently out-of-favour Kevin Mirallas.
Mirallas was left out of Everton's travelling squad for last Sunday's 2-0 reverse at Chelsea after his attitude displeased Koeman, and reports have linked the Belgium international with a return to former club Olympiakos on loan.
Vlasic, who has been Hajduk's books since January 2010, would take Everton's summer spending over the £140m mark if he moves to Goodison Park in the enxt 48 hours.
