Saturday 11 February 2012

RIJEKA LAND DRPIC AND BOSNJAK

HNK Rijeka appear to be sparking a arrival after agreeing contracts with former Croatia internationals Ivan Bosnjak and Dino Drpic. Drpic, initially impressed when transferring from Dinamo Zagreb to Karlsruher. However in the last two season he has faired poorly in his attempts to make a career abroad playing barely 10 matches in the last year whilst passing through AEK Athens and Volyn from Ukraine.

Ivan Bosnjak has been playing a little more regularly, but in China's Second Division with Chandong Lifan. The 33 year old formerly of Dinamo Zagreb and Genk made 22 appearences and scored 6 goals. Rijeka would welcome such a contribution to their young and inexperienced front line. Rijeka also appear close to a deal for Dinamo Zagreb captain Igor Biscan and are negotiating with Jurica Vranjes. Biscan could prove useful, however Osijek and Hajduk Split target Vranjes would appear a unneccessary pursuit with Damir Kreilach one of the best performers in the league. Rijeka are likely to finance their deals with the midfielders transfer abroad at the end of the season.

Rijeka may be on the pursuit of more players in the summer with Ahmad Sharbini and Bosko Balaban likely to be on the market. Rijeka may however face competition from near neighbours Istra 1961 who have improved immensely under Igor Pamic.

Elsewhere Slaven Belupo signed Bojan Vrucina and Davor Vugrinec to replace Leon Benko and Aljosa Vojinovic were transferred to the middle East. Belupo are currently third and set to qualify for the Europa Liga.