Everton kept No 19 shirt in reserve for former Chelsea star Diego Costa, reveals summer signing Nikola Vlasic
- Nikola Vlasic reveals he was restricted from taking the No 19 shirt this summer
- The Toffees were hoping to sign Diego Costa from Chelsea, but failed to do so
- Costa rejected an offer from Everton in order to seal a return to Atletico Madrid
- Vlasic reveals he had a 'good relationship' with sacked manager Ronald Koeman
Everton told summer signing Nikola Vlasic that he could not take the No 19 shirt because they were reserving it for Diego Costa, the Croatian striker has revealed.
The Toffees were hoping to spend a large portion of the £75million windfall generated from Romelu Lukaku's sale to Manchester United on a striker of similar or superior quality.
With Costa free to leave Stamford Bridge for the right price, Everton did their best to coax the Brazilian to Goodison Park, only to see the deal fall through due to his desire to rejoin Atletico Madrid.
Everton hoped to entice Diego Costa from Chelsea with the offer of his favoured No 19 shirt
Nikola Vlasic was told by Everton officials that the No 19 was being reserved for the Brazilian
Vlasic, who formed part of a £135m summer spending spree as he joined from Hajduk Split, revealed he originally wanted the No 8 and No 19 shirt, only to be told that neither were available.
Speaking to 24sata, Vlasic explained: 'No 27 was free, I wanted No 8 but Ross Barkley wears it, while the club was keeping No 19 for Diego Costa.'
Costa eventually agreed a move to Diego Simeone's side and is set to make his debut once the winter transfer window opens on New Year's Day.
Costa turned down the chance to join Everton in order to seal a return to Atletico Madrid
Everton, meanwhile, found no alternative for Costa and have since suffered a dismal start to the season, resulting in the sacking of manager Ronald Koeman earlier this week.
Vlasic admits he was 'sorry' to see the Dutchman leave but remains positive on his first few months on Merseyside, saying Everton are a 'great club' for young players to reach their potential.
'I'm sorry that Koeman got sacked, because he bought me and we had a really good relationship, but that's football,' he added.
'Everton is a great club for young players like Jordan Pickford, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ademola Lookman, Tom Davies, me. We all get chances; I'm satisfied.'
Vlasic says Everton youngsters, like Jonjoe Kenny (left), are given a chance to shine at Everton
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