Southampton are leading the chase to sign Croatia international Mislav Orsic from Dinamo Zagreb but Premier League rivals Everton could still look to hi-jack the deal, according to 24Sata.
12 months ago, Orsic turned down a move to Burnley to stay put in the Croatian capital.
Whether history repeats itself, only time will tell. According to 24Sata, Orsic made a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ with the Dinamo Zagreb bosses at the time. Meaning the biggest club in Croatia will not stand in his way should Orsic decide that the time is ripe for a fresh start in a new league.
Southampton, Sportske Novosti say, are ‘close’ to sealing a deal for Orsic. One of Europe’s most underrated goalscorers; the prolific left-sided attacker has hit double figures in each of his five seasons at Dinamo Zagreb. Orsic also broke the 20-goal barrier three years in a row.
Everton join Southampton in race to sign Dinamo Zagreb’s Mislav Orsic
Dinamo, 24Sata add, have already rejected Southampton’s first offer. A new and improved bid of around £7 million is expected to arrive on Wednesday. But this is no time for complacency. Everton are lurking in the background and, while the Toffees are not exactly rolling in cash, a potential £7 million asking price is unlikely to see Orsic move out of Frank Lampard’s reach.
Orsic, who scored a famous Europa League hat-trick to knock out Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur and also featured at the Qatar World Cup, could potentially be the Richarlison replacement Everton supporters have been waiting for. Like the Brazil international, Orsic is at his most effective cutting in from the left-hand side.
“Mislav is a special player,” Dinamo coach Zeljko Kopic said in January 2022; thrilled to retain the services of Orsic after a move to Burnley broke down at the 11th hour.
“He is a favourite among the fans. Children see him as a symbol of Dinamo.”
Southampton are also planning a £12 million bid for Racing Club starlet Carlos ‘Charly’ Alcaraz. Per The Sun, talks with Lorient striker Terem Moffi are underway too.
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