Everton target Nikola Vlasic given permission to leave Croatia U21 training as Hajduk Split youngster nears £8m move to Goodison Park

  • Nikola Vlasic appears close to finalising £8million move to Goodison Park
  • Everton are looking to wrap up deal now midfielder has left Croatia U21 set-up  
  • Ronald Koeman saw Vlasic first-hand during recent Europa League qualifiers 
  • Hajduk president Ivan Kos said: 'We have to think about financial stability'

Everton's chances of signing Hajduk Split midfielder Nikola Vlasic received a boost after the teenager was given permission to leave national team duty with Croatia's Under-21 side.

The Toffees are interested in the 19-year-old, whom manager Ronald Koeman got to see first hand in their recent Europa League qualifier and are closing in on an £8million deal.

It is understood that if the Goodison Park club complete a deal, the teenager could be sent out on loan. 

Everton are looking to sign Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split in an £8million deal

Everton are looking to sign Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split in an £8million deal

And on Monday Hajduk club president Ivan Kos admitted they could sell their prize asset before Thursday's deadline.


In a tweet the Croatia Football Federation confirmed Vlasic had on Tuesday asked permission to leave the squad.

'The U-21 national team's coach, Nenad Gracan, accepted the request of Nikola Vlasic and freed him of this representative action,' they said.

Nikola Vlasic impressed for Split in a Europa League clash against Everton earlier this month

Vlasic (bottom) impressed during the Europa League clash against Everton earlier this month

When asked about a possible Everton bid Kos told Split newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija: 'The transfer window runs until August 31, sometimes transfers happen a minute before midnight.

'We don't want to lose one per cent of our quality. We also have to think about financial stability.'