Torino coach Ivan Juric has piled praise upon West Ham United loanee Nikola Vlasic while playing down another Premier League raid for Leicester City midfielder Dennis Praet, speaking to Tuttomercatoweb.
Where West Ham too quick to move on from Vlasic?
With David Moyes’ side sliding down the Premier League table at an alarming rate, there’s certainly an argument to be made that the most in-form West Ham player is currently plying his trade some 700 miles south east of the London Stadium.
With four goals and three assists, a revitalised Vlasic has taken on something of a talismanic role at Torino; thriving in his favoured number ten role after being shunted out to the left during a forgettable spell in claret-and-blue.
“He’s a great player. He is essential for us because he has the right characteristics and can play many roles. He’s done everything and he’s complete. He also has good finishing (skills),” says Juric, who’s Torino side have the option of turning Vlasic’s loan into a permanent transfer for a bargain fee of just £12 million.
“He’s amazing and fantastic for us.”
Nikola Vlasic could leave West Ham United for Torino but Leicester City deal unlikely
According to Tuttosport, Torino could still look to negotiate an even lower fee for Vlasic; a World Cup semi-finalist who set West Ham back £25 million when he arrived from CSKA Moscow in the summer of 2021.
Either way, there is an acceptance at Torino that, even if they are forced to pay the full £12 million fee, Vlasic represents excellent value for money.
“The Torino fans are fantastic,” explains Split-born playmaker. “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.
“Sometimes, it happens. I was there (at West Ham) for nine months. I didn’t play, I was unhappy. Therefore, I tried to go where I would get playing time. But I’m still a West Ham player. Let’s see what happens in the summer.”
One player who may not be returning for a second spell at Torino, however, is Dennis Praet. Leicester’s Belgium international spent the 2021/22 season on loan at the Serie A outfit. When push came to shove though, the Foxes refused to consider a permanent sale.
Juric, meanwhile, insists that he has ‘never spoken’ to Praet since they parted ways seven months ago.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
