West Bromwich Albion want to sign Ivo Grbic this summer despite speculation suggesting that the Lokomotiva goalkeeper has agreed a £5 million move to Atletico Madrid, according to the Express and Star.
With all due respect to the Baggies, there is quite a gap between a newly-promoted outfit and a Spanish giant who, later on tonight, will battle RB Leipzig for a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
So, while Grbic is probably set for a back-up role at the Wanda Metropolitano, no one at The Hawthorns could really blame the Croatia U21 international if he chooses Madrid over the Midlands.
The Express and Star claims that West Brom are big fans of the 6ft 5ins shot-stopper, arguably the finest glovesman in Croatia’s domestic league.
But reports from Eastern Europe suggest that the Baggies are set to miss out with 2014 La Liga champions Atletico closing in on a deal which is expected to cost £5 million.
Grbic is yet to undergo a medical with Diego Simeone’s side but he has, according to 24 Sata, agreed a four-year contract.
It is no secret that Atletico were in the market for a new ‘number two’, with Antonio Adan closing in on joining Sporting Lisbon.
Eibar’s former Charlton youngster Marko Dmitrovic had been considered, along with Jose Sa of Olympiakos and Rui Silva of Granada (Goal).
But it looks for all the world that Grbic will be the man competing with Jan Oblak, arguably the greatest goalkeeper on planet earth today, for a place in Atleti’s starting XI next season.
Back at West Brom, Sam Johnstone’s place is safe – for now anyway.
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