The Croatian could be an excellent alternative to Romelu Lukaku up front for Everton.
Every mention of Nikola Kalinic as one of the continent’s hottest strikers is usually proceeded by the ‘yes, that one’ suffix.
However, it’s a long time since the Croatian frontman struggled so famously at Blackburn Rovers and, with 23 goals in 58 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina, it’s clear that two difficult campaigns at Ewood Park haven’t exactly held him back.
Yet, Quotidiano Sportivo, cited by Calciomercato, report that Kalinic could bid farewell to Florence at the end of the season if under-fire coach Paolo Sousa is given the boot.
After losing a crucial Serie A clash to AC Milan on Monday and plummeting out of the Europa League on Thursday, the former Swansea City boss appears to be hanging by a thread.
And this news is likely to have been relayed around Goodison Park.
The Sun reported last summer that Everton had launched a £21 million bid for Kalinic to ease the pressure on Romelu Lukaku and the fact that the Belgian remains the club’s go-to-goalscorer means it would be no surprise if The Toffees were to renew their interest in the summer.
If there is such a thing as the prototype modern striker, Kalinic is it.
An excellent poacher who comes alive in the six-yard box, the 33-time international is also excellent with his back to goal and adept at drifting in behind defensive lines.
Allied with the right service, he would erase any memories of that short-lived stint at Blackburn.
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