Everton not giving up on striker Nikola Kalinic

Everton are apparently still convinced they can sign Croatian international Nikola Kalinic, but is he worth the reported transfer fee?

The new Premier League season may have arrived, but the transfer window doesn’t close for another three weeks. As such, Everton are still looking for ways to improve the squad for their assault on a top four spot.

This apparently includes returning to a seemingly lost cause, as Ronald Koeman continues to search for more depth up front. As reported by Olly Dawes of HITC.com, Everton have renewed their interest in Nikola Kalinic.

Dawes writes that the Toffees have seemingly given up on attempting to convince Olivier Giroud to leave Arsenal. If true, it’s somewhat strange they would turn their attention back to Fiorentina’s Kalinic, who has apparently already agreed personal terms with AC Milan and would prefer to remain in Italy.

However, we did write last week that Fiorentina still had to agree any deal for the Croatian international, who still has two years remaining on his current contract. In this respect, Italian football news site Calciomercato.com reports the Blues have already lodged a bid of just under £23 million.

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This is important, given Fiorentina have allegedly previously rejected a £20 million bid from AC Milan. However, we have to wonder if the 29-year-old is worth this type of money?

The main reason for asking this, is because of Kalinic’s previous experience in English football’s top flight. He spent two seasons with Blackburn Rovers (2009/10 & 2010/11), but only managed 13 goals, including seven in the league.

In the Solin-born player’s defence, he was only 20 when he joined Blackburn. He now has more experience and maturity, and is coming off a season where he scored the second-most goals of his career.

Overall, we still believe Koeman would be better served looking elsewhere to solidify the attack. However, we also appreciate the Everton manager knows what he is doing, so it will be interesting to see how this storyline plays out.

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What’s your take on the Blues’ apparent interest in Kalinic? Do you see him as being a key asset to the team, or should they look elsewhere to solidify their striking options? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.