CSKA Moscow CEO Roman Babaev has told Sport24 that he cannot rule out selling Nikola Vlasic, but will only let the Everton and AC Milan-linked playmaker leave for a worthy offer.
Everton sold Vlasic to CSKA in 2019 for £14m after spending the previous season on loan with the Russian outfit. The Croatian endured an underwhelming time on Merseyside before his exit, two years after joining from Hajduk Split for £10m.
Vlasic sealed his move to Goodison Park after impressing the Toffees former manager Ronald Koeman and Director of Football Steve Walsh during a Europa League qualifying tie. But he would score just twice and offer one assist in 19 appearances in all competitions.
Vlasic has got his career back on track since joining CSKA from Everton permanently. He scored 12 goals during the 2019/20 Premier Liga season, and netted another 11 last term. The 23-year-old also provided five assists for the third-straight year.
The 26-cap international’s performances have seen Everton consider bringing Vlasic back from CSKA, per Bobsoccer. But Gazzetta dello Sport note AC Milan also want him, however his Russian outfit would demand €30m (£25.5m) to sell.
Babaev has confirmed CSKA would consider selling Vlasic if Everton, AC Milan or a rival bid were to arrive. But the sum would have to be high, despite the midfielder’s desires to go.
“I do not agree that Vlasic is a torn-off piece,” Babaev said. “He had a bruise, he recovered. Nikola outlined his position; he wants to fight for European competition. But wanting and having such an opportunity are two different things.
“The club should receive a worthy offer, but so far there is none. There was interest, it continues, but there is no proposal that would suit the club.”
Vlasic not against Everton return after CSKA Moscow spell
Babaev’s comments of Vlasic wanting to leave and CSKA’s willingness to sell will offer AC Milan and Everton hope. But either will still need to rise to a lofty valuation, which Gazzetta dello Sport noted hindered the Rossoneri’s approach.
But the San Siro natives’ difficulties is another boost for Everton, as Vlasic is not against returning from CSKA. His agent, Tonci Martic, refused to rule out the Croatian playmaker ever returning to Everton in June.
But he conceded to Soccer.ru that the Toffees had, at that time, not reached out to talk terms. “Everton has not contacted me about Nikola, and this is not a question at the moment,” he said. “But who knows what the future holds? Everything is possible.”
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