Reports: Wolfsburg close in on Croatian defensive allrounder
Several German footballing media sources report that VfL Wolfsburg are on the verge of signing their targeted replacement for midfield anchor Xaver Schlager.
The signing of Croatian youth international Bartol Franjic could be near, though Toni Lieto of German footballing magazine kicker reports that the Autostädter and Dinamo Zagreb are still a ways apart on the transfer fee.
Defensive allrounder Bartol Franjic is apparently the first-choice of VfL Wolfsburg trainer Niko Kovac to replace the recently departed Xaver Schlager. Multiple German language footballing media sources claim that Kovac is keen on fellow Croat Bartol Franjic; a versatile defensive-minded player for Dinamo Zagreb.
The signing of Croatian youth international Bartol Franjic could be near, though Toni Lieto of German footballing magazine kicker reports that the Autostädter and Dinamo Zagreb are still a ways apart on the transfer fee.
The local Wolfsburger Allgemeine Zeitung reports that the player has been in agreement with the Lower Saxon Bundesliga side on personal terms for quite some time. Before jumping the gun on the new arrival, however, it should be noted that Croatia's online newspaper "index.hr" notes that Zagreb have already rejected a €5 million offer for the 22-year-old.
Journalist Toni Lieto of Germany's preeminent footballing publication confirms this, revealing that the Croatian champions desire some €8 million for Franjic. It does nevertheless seem likely that the German Wolves will proceed in their efforts to procure him.
As a defensive midfielder who can also play at center back, the Croatian youth international fills multiple squad positions in which the VfL requires restocking. Franjic's current market value is estimated as €4.5 million in the latest transfermarkt listings.