Torino feel that Nikola Vlasic will be a bargain signing for the Serie A outfit as West Ham United look to move on from their Premier League misfit in 2023, according to Tuttosport.
Vlasic might not have been one of the first names on Zlatko Dalic’s team sheet. But he certainly played his part as Croatia reached the semi-finals of the World Cup for a second tournament in succession.
West Ham’s forgotten man scored in shoot-out victories over both Japan and Brazil; those crucial contributions a continuation of the fine form Vlasic has shown since leaving the London Stadium on loan last summer.
West Ham United could sell Nikola Vlasic to Serie A outfit Torino
“The Torino fans are fantastic,” explains Split-born playmaker, who’s scored four Serie A goals for the Granata already.
“From the first day I arrived in the city, they took me by the hand. Everyone asks me to stay for a long time. I am very happy at Torino. Let’s see what happens in the summer.”
Torino, however, do not have to wait until July before tying Vlasic down to a long-term deal. West Ham inserted a £13 million option-to-buy clause in the former Everton youngster’s contract.
Per Tuttosport, Torino still hope to negotiate a lower fee. But, failing that, there remains an acceptance that Vlasic – who joined West Ham for £25 million from CSKA Moscow just a year-and-a-half ago – would represent excellent value for money, particularly on the back of some superb displays in Italy’s top flight.
“Is Vlasic our best player? He is a great player. He does everything well in the defensive phase,” Torino coach Ivan Juric said after Vlasic produced a superb man-marking job on Sandro Tonali during October’s 2-1 win over Serie A champions AC Milan.
“Against Tonali, he played an amazing game playing as a midfielder. I like him. He’s a good player.”
West Ham, meanwhile, have already completed their first signing of 2023. Luizao will join on a free with his contract at Sao Paulo expiring. Hammers boss David Moyes has since played down the prospect of further additions.
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