Everton Reportedly Tracking Croatia Star Ante Rebic
By Tom Power
Toffees Monitoring Croatia’s World Cup Star but Face Competition for His Signature
Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on Croatia’s World Cup star Ante Rebic with a view to bringing him to Goodison Park.
The Daily Mirror has alleged that the forward is on a list of potential candidates drawn up by Marco Silva and Marcel Brands.
Rebic, who scored a stunning goal in Croatia’s 3-0 demolition of Argentina, spent last season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt from parent club Fiorentina.
He bagged nine goals in 28 appearances for the German club and has continued his fine form in Russia this summer for his country.
Frankfurt have apparently activated their option to buy Rebic following his successful season-long loan.
But the Mirror have suggested that they could cash in on him straight away with his stock at an all-time high following his performances at the World Cup.
Rebic featured in two of Croatia’s three group games as they progressed to the knock out stage with nine points from a possible nine to top group D.
His work ethic, eye for goal and versatility have now attracted the attentions of Silva and Brands, who wish to bolster Everton’s attacking ranks in the close season.
The 24-year-old is capable of leading the line, playing in the number 10 role behind the striker or on the left of a front three.
That would give Silva options as he looks to deploy a 4-3-3 formation on Merseyside, and could spell the end to Yannick Bolasie’s career in L4.
The winger has been first choice on the left flank when fit to play, but he has failed to recapture his best form after a 12-month lay off with a cruciate knee ligament injury.
The possible arrival of Rebic, coupled with the returning Ademola Lookman from his Leipzig loan spell, would surely mean Bolasie would be moved on.
Rebic was a one-time target of Tottenham Hotspur and may prove to be a valuable addition to Everton’s senior squad.
However, he may not want to leave Frankfurt so soon after joining permanently if they manage to land him from Fiorentina.
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Additionally, his lack of goals may be a concern for Evertonians, who wish to see the burden relieved on the likes of Cenk Tosun next season.