Marco Silva decided to loan out Everton’s Nikola Vlasic during the summer transfer window.
Vlasic has enjoyed an impressive season out on loan at CSKA Moscow, but his task of breaking back into Everton’s team isn’t an easy one.
Everton have Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison occupying the slots behind the striker, and the trio have all caught the eye.
Vlasic could well face a fight to earn a spot in the team at Goodison Park if he did return.
And Silva admits that he now has a dilemma ahead of the summer transfer window.
“We wanted Nikola (Vlasic) to play as much as possible to demonstrate his best qualities. We are watching him very closely,” he said.
“When the right time comes, we will make a decision for him. I am pleased that he is playing regular football, that’s the reason why we sent him to Russia in the first place.”
Vlasic has hit eight goals and claimed six assists in 27 appearances for CSKA this season.
The attacking midfielder, who joined Everton for £10 million (BBC Sport), has hinted that a move to Russia permanently would appeal to him, but whether they would be able to afford to buy him from Everton remains to be seen.
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