It would appear Jurica Vranjes long wait for first team action could soon be over as Hajduk Split prepare a package to bring the former Croatia international back to Croatia. Vranjes left Osijek for Bayer Leverkusen way back in 2000 and stayed in Germany for the next 9 years. Vranjes status as a useful squad player never changed during spells with Bayer, Stuggart and lastly with Thomas Schaff's Werder Bremen. Although Vranjes achieved a respectable amount of action, he also endured long periods of frustration as a substitute and never fulfilled his potential after being tipped as a big player for Croatia's future by Mirko Jozic when he took him to the World Cup in 2002. This summer the 29 year old was eventually ditched into the reserves and it would now appear the midfielder wishes to return home in order to play.At present any move for Vranjes depends on the sale of Senijad Ibricic, who is believed to have several admirers and should soon become the object of a bidding war. Hajduk already have Mario Ticinovic, Florin Cernat, Marin Tomasov aching to step in for the Bosnian international playmaker, but could also switch to 4-4-2 allowing Oremus and Anas Sharbini to patrol the wings. Centrally Vranjes could partner either Srdjan Andric or Josip Skoko, up until Skoko departs for Australia in the summer.
Hajduk have a long list of players up for sale, which begins with striker Ivan Rodic. Rodic has had an unhappy time at Hajduk, but could be taken this winter by Sibenik, Rijeka or Slaven Belupo. Its imagined Belupo would prefer to offload striker Bojan Vrucina for some nominal fee before embarking on any new signings. Filip Marcic and Goran Mujanovic have been highlighted as primary targets. Czaba Csizmadia was given his release, however with a number of players such as Kruno Jambrusic, Igor Gal eager to step in its unlikely Belupo will buy.
Hajduk have sent Brazilian's Paraiba and Thiaquinho back to Gremio after unsuccessful loan spells at the Poljud. Both players are surplus to requirements and the termination of their loans helps to decrease staff numbers. Hajduk seem eager to retain Ahmad Sharbini whilst bring on youngsters Duje Cop and Ante Vukusic, and Paraiba's departure now gives room for a new forward. Hajduk may however wait to see what kind of funds are available once they sell Ibricic. Thiaquinhio meanwhile was a redundant right back, which is covered by the presence of Marijan Buljat and Goran Rubil in emergancies. Hajduk also expect to have Mladen Pelaic back in the spring, whilst Ivo Smoje and Jurica Buljat also provide defensive cover.
At Dinamo, Croatian media have already sited midfielder Ivica Vrdoljak, defender Etto and striker Mario Mandzukic as players Zdavko Mamic is looking to let go in order to bring new funds into the club. With Mandzukic having a average first half to the season, it would appear Dinamo have decided to cash in on any existing interest. Werder Bremen are once again expecting to offer a proposal. As yet no bid has emerged for Vrdoljak or Etto, however Dejan Lovren has been linked with a move away from the Maksimir. The move is not believed to be in Dinamo's plan, but it is likely they would take silly money for the Croatia defender.
