After scouting the Croatian wonder Anton Matkovic this season, Everton is among the teams interested in signing him, according to Sport Italia.
The news agency stated on their website on April 30 that since making his debut in the Osijek first team this season, the 18-year-old youngster has impressed a number of teams, including Milan, Atalanta, Inter, and Fulham.
The 6′ 3″ teenager has established himself as a “unmovable starter” for his current team since the beginning of the year, and according to a Sport Italia report, his playing style has earned him comparisons to Champions League winner and Bayern Munich legend Mario Mandzukic. As a result, Osijek has placed a price tag of approximately £4.2 million on his head in an attempt to deter potential suitors.
Everton planning for the future with Matkovic transfer?
This upcoming summer transfer window is just as much about planning for the long-term future as it is about strengthening the current squad at Goodison Park.
Several players are entering the latter years of their career now, while decisions over the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin need to be made with his contract situation and injury record.
Matkovic is highly unlikely to be able to come into the Premier League from Croatia and make an immediate impact, but considering the money at the top level the £4.2m asking price could prove to be shrewd business down the line.
The Toffees invested a lot of money to sign Youssef Chermiti and Beto last summer, but neither player has had much of an impact on the field, and Chermiti is expected to be loaned out.
That might provide room for Matkovic to join the team and take that position. In any case, Everton is aware of Matkovic’s quality and, with prompt action, may land a great player for a low cost.
