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
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.
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.'
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