Everton set to miss out on Mislav Orsic

Everton have made contact to enquire about signing Mislav Orsic according to reports, but a more recent update indicates that they could be unsuccessful in their pursuit of the Dinamo Zagreb forward.

The Lowdown: Orsic profiled

The Croatian has recently returned from the World Cup, where he was a standout performer after scoring the winner in the third-place play-off which secured his nation the bronze medal.

Premier League clubs have duly been attracted to the 30-year-old, and the Toffees had been hoping that he could be on his way to Goodison Park. According to 90min, Everton, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest have all ‘been in contact’ with Dinamo Zagreb regarding Orsic in ‘recent weeks’.

However, news which filtered through this afternoon does not make for good reason for Farhad Moshiri and co.

The Latest: Orsic set for Southampton medical

Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor relayed an update via Twitter from Croatian reporter Ižak Ante Sučić which hinted that Southampton have had an offer accepted for the player, who is on his way to the south coast of England for a medical.

Taylor tweeted: “As reported by @IASucic, Dinamo Zagreb have now accepted an improved offer from Southampton for Mislav Oršić. Deal worth in region of £7m including add-ons (Premier League survival). Told Croatian international winger has already travelled for medical.”

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The Verdict: Everton have missed out

Everton now find themselves in the relegation zone and are the Premier League’s third-lowest scorers with just 14 goals. Therefore, the need for attacking reinforcements is clear, and Orsic would have been the perfect candidate to come in and make the significant impact that Frank Lampard craves.

The Croatian has posted an outstanding 21 goal contributions in just 27 appearances across all competitions this season and is a versatile player with the ability to operate at centre-forward, as well as out wide (Transfermarkt).

Orsic has been hailed by Sučić for being able to produce moments of ‘magic’, and that is the profile of player that Everton need if they are to enhance their prospects of preserving their top-flight status.

Alas, it now looks like Lampard and co will need to turn their attention elsewhere in the transfer window in that regard.

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