HRV Soccer

BUDAN SET FOR ITALY STAY

2012-01-29T11:35:00.000-08:00

Croatia striker Igor Budan looks set to stay with Palermo after firing three goals in his last two matches. The injury prone 30 year old had been out the picture for much of the season and had been expected to leave this month. However he now appears back in the teams plans and may even make a last ditch attempt to win a place in Croatia's Euro 2012 squad in Poland and the Ukraine. Budan could have also made a stella signing for Croatian Champions Dinamo Zagreb, but that now is impossible. Also likely to stay is Croatian duo Ivica Olic and Daniel Pranjic at Bayern Munich, although their status as bench players remains the same. Srdjan Lakic could also stay in such a position with VfL Wolfsburg.

Players definitely on the move are Antun Dunkovic, Bojan Vrucina, Stiven Rivic and Antun Palic who were all released by their clubs. Slaven Belupo may look at Vrucina's return to prevent them losing momentum after Leon Benko's switch to Al Faisaly. Belupo are nicely poised but have lost their potency with Benko and Aljosa Vojinovic going East. Dinamo Zagreb who overrecruited have allowed talent Antun Palic to go without testing him. Palic, who set HNL1 alight last season with Inter Zapresic will attract a number of clubs. Rijeka lack such a player but are financially weak. Thus far they recruited Varazdin's Adam Susac and trialled Bojan Golubovic. Zadar took back Zelimir Terkes from China's Lifan and also signed Igor Prahic from Istra 1961.

Hajduk have sold goalkeeper Daniel Subasic who it is hoped will establish himself at fallen giants Monaco who are bidding to return to the top flight. They also cleared out Nikola Saric and Japanese defender Inohu. Mato Neretljak at 32 returns in central defence after leaving his mark in Korea and Japan. Filip Ozobic is also a exciting loan signing from Spartak Moscow. It is still possible Hajduk could sell star midfielder Marin Tomasov who is wanted by Maccabi Haifa and would be a step forward in the widemans career. Rivic who is a free agent would make a worthy replacement. Mario Maloca is also wanted in Germany and has been treading water in Croatia and needs a new challenge.

With Dinamo allow Palic and Pedro Morales to leave. The latter returning to Chile after becoming homesick. Mehmad Alispahic therefore has a role to play although Mateo Kovacic and Sammir are the preferred playmakers.

RIJEKA CLEAR THE DECKS

2011-12-21T01:56:00.000-08:00

Rijeka have released Mexican trio Luis Delgadillo, Herbert Alferez and Carlos Gutierrez as they try to rebuild their team for the second half of the campaign. The moves allows them to pick up a new forward and creative midfield player. On their radar may be former player Antun Dunkovic who has impressed in the Belgian league with Mechelen and is now a free agent. Chonquin Lifan may also part with forwards Ivan Bosnjak and Zelimir Terkes should Rijeka send offers to the players. Both players are former leading scorers in HNL1 and would provide a more experienced front line. Deals for Hajduk Split forward Ahmad Sharbini and Krunoslav Lovrek would also give the side greater potency.

Meanwhile Dinamo Zagreb have allowed fans favorite and ex Argentine international Leandro Cufre to join Mexican club Atlas. Cufre, 33 played two season with Dinamo and will be remembered for his role in the teams historic 2-0 Europa Liga victory over Villareal. Cufre was also said to be influential in the development of Luis Ibanez who has been playing at left back, but more successfully at left wing. However Dinamo may be on a look out for a new defensive minded player with Slovan Liberec's Renato Kelic, Livorno's Dario Knezevic and Wolfsburg's Hjorve Cale all fitting targets for their ambitions.

HNL1 WINTER REVIEW

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000-08:00

With Dinamo Zagreb out in front in the league it seems a case of a another routine Championship waltz for the team from the Croatian Capital. Hajduk Split appear a unhappy runners up with city neighbours RNK Split an annoying accompaniment in third place as things stand. Dinamo's main issue is Europe as they seem incapable of competing currently when they step outside of Croatia. What they can change in the winter transfer window is hard to see. The team they have now is more than equipped to bring them the Croatian title. Internationals such Jerko Leko, Milan Badelj, Nikola Pokrivac, Domagoj Vida and Ante Rukavina will use the rest of the season to push for a national team place. At present its hard to see any player moving to a bigger league from there Champions League exploits apart from Sime Vrsaljko and Fatos Beciraj. Both players could attract interest. Sammir, Ivan Tomecak, Ivan Krstanovic, Luis Ibanez Mario Situm and Arjan Ademi will also look to increase their reputations. However three players who may be on the exit door are Adrian Callelo who is a excess midfielder. Pedro Morales is talented but underused. Jakub Sylvestr meanwhile just has not made any impression and looks a bad recruit who needs offering back to clubs in the Czech Republic or to his native Slovakia. One player who Dinamo would want to keep is Mateo Kovacic who Dinamo fans would like to see blossom in the same way as Luka Modric did before going on to bigger things. Sammir, Badelj, Tomecak and Leko will now need to play support to him and allow the youngster to come through.

Two players who would interest the rest of the Croatian league are striker Andrej Kramaric and midfielder Matias Chago. Neither player has a place in Dinamo Zagreb as things stand. Chago would gain interest from Istra Pula where he excelled whilst Kramaric is a obvious candidate to take over from Nino Bule at Lokomotiva Zagreb for the next two seasons. Kramaric and Antun Palic may also intrigue NK Zagreb who are gaining little from there current forward line or midfield department. It is surprising Zagreb dont also apply effort to chase their former player Nino Bule to find the way to goal knowing Dinamo normally like to send their youngers down to Lokomotiva.

RNK Split are not likely to change much with everything working out just nicely. They would like to make a sale to balance the books, but whilst Josip Seradusic is injured, Ivica Krizanac remains their big name star. Neighbours Hajduk are currently assessing a squad filled with signings that have not worked out. Nikola Saric, Ivan Vukovic, Steven Lustica, Ljubo Milicevic and Josip Barisic have all flopped since arriving at the club. They also continue to get little out of Ahmad Sharbini and Mario Ticinovic. Anas has been slightly better, Drago Gabric is a excellant signing whilst Marin Tomasov has been the sides best player and could finally be ready to transfer to progress his career. Ante Vukusic hasn't kicked on from last season, but does provide some hope along with Ivan Lendric. New signings will be hard whilst Hajduk have so many failing players on there books. A experienced striker is neccessary especially if Tomasov moves. However Dinamo have some of the players Hajduk might have looked at such as Mehmad Alispahic and Ivan Krstanovic both of whom are strong HNL1 players but not key in Zagreb as of this moment. As Hajduk will be reluctant to send offers to Zagreb, they may fight for Zadar's Ivan Santini who may go abroad or Slaven Belupo's Leon Benko both of which would do damage to the selling clubs. Mate Bilic is no longer available having revived his Sporting Gijon career, same goes for Ergotelis's Mario Budimir and Teplice's Andrej Keric. Hajduk fans may wince at any more gambles made by the clubs management. If Tomasov goes one player who may not be a gamble is Lokeron's Ivan Leko who has over 200 appearences, medals and near 40 goals and over 50 assists from his time in the Belgian league. Verona's Sasa Bjelanovic would also bring a lot to the Hajduk forward line, not achieved by youngsters who are failing to make their mark.

Osijek and Slaven Belupo have both finally seen their investments pay off and are having decent season. Belupo's Kokalovic, Glavica, Busic, Milardovic, Mujanovic are just doing so much better this time out and have the squad to challenge for third place. Benko is the star of the team however and Belupo would need to keep him at the club. Failed spells at Nuremburg, Standard Liege and Kortrijk may make clubs wary however. Hajduk however may take a look at him. Osijek's president Robert Spehar brought in experienced men such as Goran Ljubojevic, Marko Babic, Ivo Smoje and these deals are now starting to work. However the club would like another sale with Tomislav Sorsa, Ivan Milicevic and Dino Gavric there prize assets. Osijek would also be expecting more from Dario Zahora having took a chance on the floating hitman earlier in the season.

Lokomotiva are also enjoying life a lot more this season with players such as Leonard Mesaric back on board to team up with Pivaric, Komorski, Skvorc and Antolic from Dinamo. One deal the club may have to do in time is to bring Croatia Under 21 striker Andrej Kramaric in who has been stagnating at Dinamo to replace Nino Bule who could be moved on at the end of the season after outstanding service. Below them is HNL1's problem club HNK Rijeka. Three seemingly pointless Mexican arrivals have not worked out in the same way Argentine Ramon Fernandes did. Midfielder Damir Krielach and Andro Srvluga remain the heart beat of the team and the side has simply not had a goalscorer since Ahmad Sharbini went to Hajduk. Ahmad is struggling in Split and simply belongs in Rijeka if the club had the finances. Bosko Balaban is also a ex Rijeka star and would excite fans if he were to return home, but the player has in the past commanded huge wages so would not appear realistic. Jeonboek Krunoslav Lovrek, Lifan's six goal midfielder Ivan Bosnjak and Zelimir Terkes may also be successful should Rijeka offer them options to return to Croatia.

Despite having a more difficult season Cibalia are likely to retain their HNL1 status with Dino Kresinger and Mladen Bartulovic in their attack. Zadar however could experience serious problems if as expected HNL1 top scorer Ivan Santini transfers this winter. Vedran Gerc did not work out and was released. Ivan Rodic is a free agent and could be chanced upon. Hajduk would meanwhile be more than willing to send away Ivan Pesic, Dzoni, Mario Jelavic and Nikola Saric to gain confidence should Zadar need to take players. Goran Jozinovic also has been down at Zadar before. Zadar are being chased currently by Istra Pula who in Henri Belle and Karlo Primorac do have forwards. Coach Igor Pamic may also target Karlovac striker Enes Novicic as his former club is in serious financial problems, whilst Matias Chago could also come back to Pula. The team is also looking for a playmaker and could send a loan offer for Antun Palic.

ONE STEP BACK OR A STEP FORWARDS

2011-12-09T07:40:00.000-08:00

Nobody can deny that Dinamo Zagreb were resounding dumped out the Champions League having failed to win a match in their outings against Real Madrid, Ajax and Lyon. The latter of which they lost 7-1. However in qualifying for the competition did they take a step forward in their ambition to be a serious European side. Results would show they cannot compete in the Champions League. However can Dinamo hope to perform better now in Europa Liga competition.

At the start of the season bringing Tonel, Josip Simunic and Jerko Leko to the club who had all had strong spells abroad with Sporting Lisbon, Hertha Berlin and Dinamo Kiev respectively demonstrate Dinamo could attract decent players. Besides this Nikola Pokrivac arrived from Red Bull Salzburg where his form was in and out. A huge talent in Domagoj Vida came to plug central defence and talents Milan Badelj, Ivan Tomecak, Sime Vrsaljko, Luis Ibanez, Sammir, Pedro Morales and Mateo Kovacic were already at the club. Despite results one thing the current standard has not had is time to grow together having come in during different stages of the season, whilst Dinamo also chop and change their squad at club level to include Mario Situm, Adrian Callello and Arjan Ademi.

With coach Krunoslav Jurcic having gone, it would seem Dinamo need to find the basis for a team that can play consistently together. Consistency however would not appear the only requirement. Dinamo for example has a strong attack for HNL1, but Fatos Beciraj, Ante Rukavina and Ivan Krstanovic all struggled in higher level European football. Although all three are likely to stay for the rest of the season, Dinamo's hope would be in signing one proven forward from abroard. Although Dino Spehar, Andrej Kramaric and Situm are talents they are not ready until loaned out to Lokomotiva or given HNL1 run outs. Although the concept failed in the past with Tomislav Sokota, Dmitrios Papadopoulos and Bosko Balaban, Dinamo need to go back abroad for their goalpoacher.

Palermo's Igor Budan, Wolfsburg's Srdjan Lakic or Bayern Munich's Ivica Olic is as such the type of forward they must bring in. Budan would clearly come if a healthy contract was on the table, whilst Olic and Lakic probably would have other choices. Outside of that Andrej Keric is treading water in the Czech Republic having initially blown away the league at Slovan Liberec. A return home could benefit him. Dinamo also need to look at a left back and Hjorve Cale and Dario Knezevic could do a lot of good for the club and get themselves back into international reckoning having lost their way in Wolfsburg and Livorno.

To bank roll these moves Dinamo need another sale and the most likely asset is Sime Vrsaljko who could transfer for around 6-8 million. Fatos Beciraj is also a sellable asset for around 2m Euros and the club could also clear out Jakub Sylvestr, Callelo, Morales and Mehmed Alispahic at a push. Matias Chago, Kramaric and Antun Palic could also go out on loan.

CROATIA MAKE EURO'S

2011-12-02T01:54:00.001-08:00

Croatia finally took their place in next years European Championships after defeating Turkey 3-0 in the play offs. Ironically the win buried the ghost of Euro 2008 where Croatia's most talented squad of the last decade shorn of star Eduardo Da Silva was defeated by their opponents on penalties after claiming three wins during the group campaign.

Ivica Olic came back in the nick of time to show he can still be a big threat and big help for Croatia and put in a hugely mobile attacking display alongside Mario Mandzukic. Nikica Jelavic, Nikola Kalinic and Ivan Klasnic have refound form at domestic level and will be good back up. Eduardo and Mladen Petric will also be fighting hard for their place. Ivan Perisic and Ivo Ilicevic are favorites to join Ivan Rakitic, Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar as attacking midfielders in the squad, but don't rule out Mato Jajalo who is playing well with Koln. Milan Badelj would appear to need a transfer to step to the level. At present alongside Drago Gabric he stands to miss out.

Daniel Pranjic was recalled to the squad and may have a chance as Croatia only has Ognjen Vukojevic and Tomislav Dujmovic as reliable defensive midfielders. However he needs to switch clubs as out the picture at Bayern Munich. Pranjic can also cover left back. Dnipro's Ivan Strinic may need to do more to bed down his left back slot as could miss out with Vedran Corluka moving across to put in a hugely accomplished display there. Corluka is certain to travel and Dinamo Zagreb's Sime Vrsaljko and especially Domagoj Vida may now be trusted at right back allowing Corluka to switch position and Darijo Srna to move back onto the right wing where he has played his best football for Croatia.

Rather than making slots for players Coach Slaven Bilic may now be prepared to let his squad fight it out for roles in his side leaving Ivan Rakitic and Niko Kranjcar in direct competition for the left wing slot. In the long run when Croatia need to rotate this could prove in the countries interest. In attack there will be a scramble with Klasnic and Petric not likely to give up easy on one last chance to represent their country at a Euro finals. Both have the quality to rack up a high goalscoring tally this season with Klasnic already on 6 and Petric having started brightly at HSV.

If Croatia have a worry it is in central defence and central midfield. Luka Modric is the teams star, but alongside him Dujmovic and Vukojevic are no Niko Kovac still. In defence Josip Simunic is making gutsy displays to roll back the years when he played alongside Igor Tudor, Robert Kovac and Dario Simic. However Croatia now longer have centre backs of that quality. Dejan Lovren's performances at club and international level are in and out despite the fact he is a talent. Gordon Schildenfeld has done well when called upon, but he is playing week to week in the German second Division despite being with the leaders Eintract Frankfurt. It is likely Croatia will have to go to the finals without a top rate centre back and that will be there weakness. Rostov's Stipe Pletikosa between the sticks is also welcome.

If there were to be any surprise packages in Croatia's squad it is only likely to be in the form of central midfielder Jerko Leko who can offer experience or Hertha Berlin's captain Andre Mijatovic. Manuel Pamic as alternative left back also stands a chance as is strong at Sparta Prague. The only other player really making waves is Darko Bodul with 10 goals already this season, but this is in the Austrian league.

CROATIANS PLAYERS UPDATE

2011-10-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

After a disappointing Euro 2012 qualifying campaign to date, Croatia has been undergoing change within the squad. Ivo Ilicevic, Nikica Jelavic, Dejan Lovren and Ivan Perisic are all welcome additions to the squad, but are yet to make their mark in a international shirt.

Besides Eduardo Da Silva's injury now over 3 years ago has made it hard for him to lead the attack and responsibility has had to be handed over with himself and Niko Kranjcar playing the supporting forward role. Jelavic has been a strong player in the Scottish league for Rangers, but needs to prove himself against top opposition. Nikola Kalinic as yet is most useful as substitute and Mario Mandzukic who has improved at Wolfsburg is still not trustworthy.

As for the squad players Srdjan Lakic has lost his way since going to Wolfsburg from Kaiserslautern. Although the player needed to switch clubs, Wolfsburg would appear the wrong fit with Mandzukic and Patrick Helmes preferred to him. It is disappointing that the old guard of Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric have dropped off. Olic needs to switch clubs from Bayern Munich where he has been successful. Nevertheless they now are looking to younger guys and Olic may return for one last venture with the national team if he gets a new club that suits him. Going back to Hamburg or to Russia would not be a bad thing for him. Should Dinamo Zagreb get him it would be a massive boost for the currently lightweight Croatian Champions.

Petric is still doing what Petric does for Hamburg, but some bad performances for Croatia encouraged Bilic to drop him from the squad. Similarly Daniel Pranjic, like Olic must leave Bayern and prove himself again. Unjustifiable perhaps he was dropped off the squad. Jerko Leko and Nikola Pokrivac improved their chances by going back to Dinamo, but its not expected they will return any time immediately. Milan Badelj is instead being looked at, but is no holding midfielder. Its essential Ivan Rakitic gets fit again.

One bright spark has been Mato Jajalo at Cologne. Ivica Vrdoljak is also still doing well at Legia Warsaw after a brilliant first season. Darko Bodul has also had a boost since going to Rapid Vienna. Both Vrdoljak and Bodul need to do it at bigger clubs. Petar Sliskovic at St Pauli, Boris Vukcevic at Hoffenheim and Matija Smrekar at Charleroi are as yet unproven talents.

There is in fact not much going on with Croatian players abroad. Igor Budan looks ready for Serie B or home at Palermo. Sasa Bjelanovic is still lending a helping hand in Serie B clubs, currently with 2 goals on board for Verona. Mate Bilic is out the picture at Sporting Gijon. Bosko Balaban also looks about finished at Pananios. Ivan Klasnic is giving his maximum with Bolton Wanderers, but this only masks the lack of young players doing it from Croatia just now.

Forwards actually doing okay currently are at home in Croatia. Zadar's Ivan Santini looks to have a career ahead of him. Leon Benko has got better whilst at Slaven Belupo and Ante Vukusic is still one to watch at Hajduk and Ante Rukavina is having a better season with Dinamo than last time out. Mateas Delic has not got much better at Gangwon however and could be heading home soon with Jeonbuk's Krunoslav Lovrek, who did well out in the Far East. Daniel Cesarec has struggled with Aris and Andrej Keric's loan to Teplice from Sparta is a step backwards. Mario Budimir has been steady at Egotelis but needs to go to the next level.

CONSIDERING THEIR FUTURE

2011-04-25T00:42:00.000-07:00

NIKO KRANJCAR Aged 26, Kranjcar is at a pivotal point in his career for club and country. The highly skillful playmaker has experienced moderate success during his time with Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, before impressing at Portsmouth and lately at Tottenham Hotspur. However to reach the level of a top player, Kranjcar needs a place in the first team at a strong club and is looking at his options. Only a player of the year performance by Gareth Bale has prevented Kranjcar from figuring much for Spurs this season. However Kranjcar is likely to attract interest from Aston Villa, Liverpool and others in England, plus Werder Bremen in Germany and also has interest in Italy so a move could be highly possible this summer.

MATE BILIC Although Mate Bilic has been part of the success story of Sporting Gijon in the last 3 years, this season he has been out of the picture. With Gijon yet again likely to retain their top flight status their is little room for Bilic who at 31 needs to move on. Although moves to Hajduk Split and RNK Split have been mooted, it is possible Bilic may sacrifice international football and return to playing in the Segunda Liga where he experienced success with Almeira, Gijon amongst others. Bilic is still contracted and a foriegn club is unlikely to pay compensation with the Croatia forward valued at 1m Euro's so any move is likely to be a loan.

DANIEL PRANJIC Despite being consistently rumoured to be on the exit door of Bayern Munich, the German champions have never been so revolutionary as to cut the squad so drastically. Pranjic is still a useful squad player for Bayern and new coach Jupp Heynckes may be tempted to keep the 29 year old Croatian international, whilst Arjan Robben and Frank Ribery have patchy fitness records. Pranjic has far from flattering interest from Feyenord, but must believe he can recieve a better offer.

MILAN BADELJ Whilst Sammir, Pedro Morales and Ante Rukavina endured quiet second halfs to the Croatian league campaign, Milan Badelj emerged to guide Dinamo to yet another league title victory. Despite a slow start to the season and a far from impressive beginning to his international career with Croatia, there is enough talent in the 22 year old midfielder to be worked upon. Such as in the case of ex Osijek defender Domagoj Vida, Badelj may well be recruited with Bayer Leverkusen a possible option or French club Olympic Lyon who are more than satisfied with how Dejan Lovren progressed after arriving from the Croatian capital.

ANTE VUKUSIC Despite a strong season in Croatia, Vukusic is far from ready for a big club and needs to develop. However the 19 year old needs to consider if staying in Split will help his development whilst the team continues to be under pressure from their fans in the shadow of being runners up to rivals Dinamo Zagreb. Vukusic may be best advised unloading that responsibility to a experienced player like Mate Bilic or Ivan Krstanovic and considering a switch to a Russian, German or Ukrainan club. Vukusic's main asset is his pace and getting into good positions to score. He is still raw talent, but a move to the right club could see him become a highly improved player.

IVAN TOMECAK Whilst Dinamo may look to hold onto Ivan Tomecak, for the player himself he may experience a step to the next level if he gained the right transfer. Tomecak is a more than handy right sided midfielder who is ready for the step up to the Russian league or in the Bundesliga. The Croatia Under 21 player has seen his impact this season reduced by injury, but has come back in time to help Dinamo over the finish line. For Croatia Tomecak is already as good as effective Turkish league based player Drago Gabric and long term could compete with Domagoj Vida and Sime Vrsaljko as reputy to Dario Srna.

IVAN KLASNIC Although Klasnic still has a year left on his Bolton contract, the 31 year old will consider if playing substitute satisfies his expectations. In the past Klasnic was targetted by numerous Bundesliga clubs, but after the improvement in the fortunes of Hanover, Numerburg, Kaiserslautern, Hoffenheim and Mainz, Klasnic may well become a target for a return to Germany at a club willing to give him more first team action. Johan Elmander is yet to acquire a new contract, but manager Owen Coyle is looking for a new number 9 with Daniel Sturridge and Carlos Vela both on his target list.

IVAN KRSTANOVIC After a highly impressive season in HNL1 with NK Zagreb, Bosnian forward Ivan Krstanovic will be hot property in the summer. Hajduk Split had previously balked at the idea of buying the player whilst Ahmad Sharbini was still on the books. However Ahmad is frustrated at how his Hajduk career has gone and Krstanovic would seem a more than worthwhile replacement. Krstanovic is a tall physical forward who could link up well with a more nimble number 9 like Ante Vukusic or Duje Cop. Hajduk also may well be in the hunt for Ivan Santini, although Ivan Lendric may be afforded a chance in the team when he returns from his loan.

STRIKERS WITH POINTS TO PROVE

2011-04-09T03:18:00.000-07:00

Despite numerous options, Croatia find themselves struggling to find a striker to make the number 9 shirt firmly there own. After Nikola Kalinic failed to impress against Georgia, Nikica Jelavic played the friendly with France, but was similarly anonymous. Bilic's has been attempting to build the next generation of strikers, but Croatia still appear in need of Ivica Olic, Eduardo Da Silva and potentially Ivan Klasnic, whilst new arrivals in the squad adjust to international football.

With Mario Mandzukic and Nikola Kalinic struggling to hold down regular places at Wolfsburg and Blackburn Rovers respectively, Jelavic who is a Rangers star forward would appear to have a head start. The 25 year old clearly needs time to fit in with Croatia's style of play. If fully fit and scoring it appears Bayern Munich's Olic is still Croatia's star man. Having lost pace Eduardo will compete with Ivan Perisic who impressed against France in support striking roles.

Slaven Bilic currently dismissed Ivan Klasnic for international matches. However Klasnic has been the most effective Croatian forward in the English Premier League, continually putting points on the board for his club with important goals. Whilst Klasnic, who scored twice in Euro 2008 is proven in European and domestic competition Mandzukic and Srdjan Lakic struggled of late. Mandzukic, Lakic and Kalinic will all need better seasons next year to convince Slaven Bilic they should be in the reckoning.

Mate Bilic also may feel hard done by to be dropped, but needs to depart Sporting Gijon in order to pick up regular football, even if back at Hajduk Split. Only a monster season could see him come back into the fold. In reserve Dinamo Zagreb's Ante Rukavina, Ergotelis's Mario Budimir, Sparta Prague's Andrej Keric and Aris Salonika's Daniel Cesarec have been nothing special this season. Sasa Bjelanovic of Atalanta and Igor Budan of Cesana may be in line for HNL1 after goals dried up. Keric and Budimir still have potential but need to do more.

Arminia Bielfeld's Josip Tadic has shown signs of improvement, whilst Hajduk's Ante Vukusic has had a strong season, but still has much to prove at high level football. Whilst Mario Gavranovic chose Switzerland over Croatia, all is not neccessary lost as young Croatian Under 21 player Petar Sliskovic shows signs of potential at Mainz, as does Hoffenheim's Boris Vukcevic.

TERKES SALE COULD PROVE COSTLY

2011-04-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Zadar slipped into the relegation zone at the weekend, after suffering defeat to Istra 1961. Zadar are now heavily reliant on Ivan Santini after allowing Zelimir Terkes to go to China with Chandong Lifan. Santini would remain the teams prize asset if Zadar were relegated and may be intrigued to do a deal with Hajduk Split, with whom they have been engaging in long running business. Things are looking more rosey with Osijek, after adding Marko Babic and Goran Ljubojevic the team is on the up. President Robert Spehar also is confident of bringing Jurica Vranjes in the summer. Tomislav Sorsa is being watched by Bochum and may be sold to finance a deal.

Slaven Belupo meantime sacked coach Mile Petkovic and replaced him with former player Roy Ferencina who impressed with Lokomotiva Zagreb last season. Ferencina immediately got a reaction at the weekend with a 4-0 win. Leon Benko with 3 goals in 6 matches needs to keep scoring for the team to keep comfortable in midtable. Tomislav Busic, however has disappointed and could be moved on in the summer. Sibenik and Istra keep fighting, but are yet to get themselves out of danger. Sibenik's purchase of HNL3 striker Drazen Jelic has been highly successful, whilst Mehmad Alispahic is key. With Pedro Morales, Sammir, Antun Palic and Mario Situm all on Dinamo's books its uncertain whether Alispahic made the right move in going to the Croatian capital. Palic, particularly has seen little football since moving across from Inter Zapresic.

It appears Zapresic will fight it out with RNK Split and Cibalia for the last Europa Liga spot. Zapresic have turned around their season in remarkable fashion under Ilija Loncarevic and appear to have a future star in Macedonian striker Aleksandr Trajkovski. Cibalia have enjoyed a similar good season with Dino Kresinger and Mladen Bartolovic forming a highly successful strike partnership. Rijeka may stay happy with midtable safety after a turbulant season. Dutch signing Sergio Zijler has yet to really prove himself. Similarly whilst Vedran Gerc may earn a new contract, Rijeka may look to a more experienced forward such as Ahmad Sharbini in the summer, who sees little football at Hajduk.

Hajduk themselves could be looking for a new coach in the summer as results have been stuttering under Goran Vukevic. A new striker to support Ante Vukusic seems vital, with Croatian international Mate Bilic a likely target from Sporting Gijon. Zagreb's Ivan Kristanovic could also be looked at after a strong season at NK Zagreb. Besides Vukusic, Marin Ljubicic has impressed in midfield and Srdjan Andric has performed better when pushed into a playmaker role.

AMKAR BAG DJALOVIC

2011-03-11T06:24:00.000-08:00

HNK Rijeka have transferred star striker Radomir Djalovic after the Montenegrin international completed his medical with Russian club Amkar Perm. Amkar, who also have ex Osijek man Josip Knezevic long desired to sign the ex Zagreb and Arminia Bielfeld forward and have now tied up his signature.

Cash strapped Rijeka are now to rely on the inexperienced Vedran Gerc, Valentin Stepcic, Sandi Krizman and Sergio Zijler to take his place. Rijeka particular will need Dutchman Zijler to step up his game. Gerc, meanwhile is playing for a new contract after making just four appearences this season. Should neither man succede in filling Djalovic's boots the club could be set for a difficult end to the season.

Dinamo Zagreb are expected to make Ilija Sivonjic available at the end of the season. Bosko Balaban (Pananios), Krunoslav Lovrek (Jeonbuk Motors) and Tomo Sokota (Olymija Ljubljana) at present look set to stay on at their current clubs for another year, Whilst Antun Dunkovic is fighting for a new deal at Mechelen.

KLASNIC AND TADIC RETURN TO FORE

2011-03-08T07:15:00.000-08:00

Bolton Wanderers striker Ivan Klasnic has put himself back within a chance of returning to the Croatian national team after firing winners to defeat Fulham, Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup and against Aston Villa in the league. Such form will impress coach Slaven Bilic who is looking for a striker of such calibre after Mario Mandzukic and Srdjan Lakic struggled to find their form in the new year.

Mandzukic has still to score for Wolfsburg, whilst Lakic could lose out to the more experienced and proven hitman Klasnic. It was thought the 31 year old may be on the slide after Owen Coyle signed Daniel Sturridge to push Klasnic further down the pecking order behind Kevin Davies and Johann Ellmander. However Klasnic has thought back with the expert finishing and is likely to see more games as the season enters the vital months.

Another player who has enjoyed a reversal of fortunes is Josip Tadic, who scored his third goal for Arminia Bielfeld at the weekend after arriving from Grenoble. Bundesliga 2 seems more suited to the former Dinamo Zagreb and Osijek striker, who will aim to follow Ivo Ilicevic and Srdjan Lakic's example of attempting to return to high level football.

Elsewhere Rijeka could be in dissaray with star striker Radomir Dalovic on the verge of a move to the Russian league with Amkar Perm. The Montenegro international's departure leaves Rijeka relying on the unproven Vedran Gerc, Sandi Krizman, Valentin Stepcic and Sergio Zijler. Rijeka's would only be able replace Dalovic with a quick fire free agent signing with Ivan Bosnjak a possible option.

BOSNJAK TAKES LIFAN OPTION

2011-03-03T06:40:00.000-08:00

Striker Ivan Bosnjak has finally settled his future after a year out of the game.

The 32 year old has signed with Chinese second division side Chongquin Lifan, along with fellow Croats Dario Dabac and Stjepan Jukic. Bruno Siklic however has left the club to sign for Hubei Zongboo.

Whilst Bosnjak has decided his club, defensive midfielder Gordan Golik is six months without a employer after leaving Lech Poznan. Former club Varazdin may be interested in taking the player, but would need to make a sale first. Renato Puncec is currently there prize asset whilst Filip Skvorc has also been impressing.

Meantime NK Lokomotiva have signed former Dinamo Zagreb striker Dario Zahora. Lokomotiva have allowed striker Ilija Sivonjic and Marko Simic to both leave in recent weeks leaving Nino Bule, Dodo, Ivan Peko and Dalibor Pandza as their only forward options. If Loko could get the experienced Zahora in tandum with Bule, they are likely to loan out Pandza.

RODIC SIGNS UP TO ISTRA

2011-03-01T08:26:00.000-08:00

Istra 1961 have completed the signing of striker Ivan Rodic for the remainder of the season. Istra have had a big turnaround in their forward line with Bosko Stupcic and Edin Hadzic both heading out the exit door and Rodic, Eliomar, Franjo Tepuric and Mario Juric all arriving. Asim Sehic is still at the club and will look to form a partnership with Rodic. Rodic, already has 4 goals to his name from starting the season with Rijeka. His more than suspect release from the club has been to Istra's benefit.

Meantime there is little news on a new club for Ivan Bosnjak or Gordan Golik, however Marko Maric has signed with MLS Outfit Chicago Fire. The Fire were also interested in former Croatian international Marko Babic, but the 29 year old has decided to return home to sign with NK Osijek. Babic's arrival is one of the biggest signings of the season in the Croatian league. Elsewhere former Dinamo Zagreb forward Guillermo Suarez has signed with Chilean outfit DC O'Higgins and has already made an impressive start scoring 2 goals in his first 3 games. Meanwhile former Dinamo and Zapresic teammate Miroslav Saric is serving a prison sentance after attack a man outside a bar.

OSIJEK SIGN LJUBOJEVIC

2011-02-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

NK Osijek have made a significant signing after recruiting striker Goran Ljubojevic, who has recently been playing regularly with AIK Stockholm. 27 year old will take the place of Vedran Niksic who joined Hungarian side Gyor. Powerful ex Croatian Under 21 international frontman Ljubojevic brings a wealth of experience from his time with Osijek, Dinamo, Racing Genk and NK Zagreb. Ljubojevic, will fight for a place alongside Ivan Milicevic, Josip Barisic and Anton Maglica.

Osijek are hoping Ljubojevic's arrival will encourage Marko Babic to join up who is currently a free agent after leaving Real Zaragoza. Jurica Vranjes has also been mentioned, who is still contracted to Werder Bremen till the end of the season. Whilst Ljubojevic has left Scandanavia, Domagoj Abramovic has returned to Finnish club Inter Turku after playing in the Greek second Division with Olympiakos Volos and Pierikos. Whilst Abramovic leaves Greece, Dino Drpic has finally suited up to a new club in the Superliga with AEK Athens. The 29 year old Croatian international has been without a employer for 12 months since leaving Karlsruhre.

Free agents Ivan Rodic, Gordan Golik, Ivan Bosnjak, Tomislav Vranjic and Marko Maric are still going to waste. Bosnjak and Vranjic had been training with Cibalia. Maric meanwhile is a former player of NK Zagreb, whilst Golik was linked with Varazdin as a replacement for Josip Brezovec. It is thought however Varazdin needed to make another selling to make room for his arrival. Lokomotiva meanwhile have sent Marko Simic on loan to Radnik Sesvete.

BODUL OFF TO PORTUGAL

2011-01-31T11:24:00.000-08:00

Croatian Under 21 international Darko Bodul has completed his much needed transfer out of Ajax, signing to Portuguese side Nachional. Bodul, 22 will team up with Dejan Skolnik who has impressed since arriving from Maribor. Elsewhere Ivan Klasnic is set for added competition after Daniel Sturridge signed on loan at Bolton Wanderers from Chelsea. Niko Kranjcar is staying put and won't be leaving Tottenham Hotspur as has only recently become a father.

As of this moment Marko Babic, Ivan Bosnjak, Dino Drpic, Miroslav Saric, Domogoj Abramovic, Ivan Rodic and Marko Maric are all still free agents and are free to move after the transfer deadline. However Jurica Vranjes will spend another six months without football after failing to gain a transfer out of Werder Bremen. Instead the 30 year old midfielder will run down his contract which expires in the summer.

Slovan Liberec meantime, have allowed striker Andrej Keric to transfer across to Sparta Prague after threatening to dump the former Cibalia player in the reserve team. Liberec were annoyed at the player running down his contract, but have finally recieved compenation for Keric who scored 6 goals this season so far.

AHMAD RECIEVES CONFIDENCE BOOST

2011-01-31T01:01:00.000-08:00

Ahmad Sharbini finally looks likely to get his chance in peak season, after Hajduk Split dismissed the possibility of signing Zagreb's Ivan Krstanovic. After enquiring on the Bosnian forward Hajduk decided the fee would be a waste of money for a player who may possibly not give them more than ex Rijeka star Ahmad.

On the face of it, Hajduk's squad still looks lightweight without the transferred Senijad Ibricic and Ivan Strinic, but offers opportunities to a number of promising youngsters such as Marin Ljubicic, Mario Maloca, Marin Tomasov, Mirko Oremus and Dinko Trebotic to prove their worth. Mario Ticinovic is also likely to receive playing time, despite a quiet loan spell with Karlovac.

Zagreb themselves have been busy recruiting after Vedran Celjak's sale to Sampdoria. Carlos arrives on loan from Dinamo after successful spell in China with Shandong Leuneg. Another foriegn forward however comes to replace outgoing Albanian Sukaj in the form of Cesena's Franco Ciavarini. Slaven Belupo are also adding depth to their forward line with Tomislav Hajovic signing from Lokomotiva Zagreb.

CELJAK DEAL HEARTENS ZAGREB

2011-01-29T02:17:00.000-08:00

NK Zagreb look to be back in business after negotiating the sale of Croatian Under 19 star Vedran Celjak to Sampdoria for 500,000 Euro's. The deal looks set to give Zagreb scope to move in the transfer market having been restricted in the last 12 months. With only HNL2 stars Vedran Celiscak and Krunoslav Rendulic returning fans would not have had much hope for optimism. However Zagreb now have fair wage packages to offer to free agents still on the market.

Zagreb may also have to expect a offer for 9 goal striker Ivan Krstanovic after Hajduk Split struggled to land prime target Mate Bilic. Krstanovic could give much needed depth to Hajduk's forward line. If such a deal is made, Ivan Rodic, Domagoj Abramovic, Miroslav Saric, Ivan Bosnjak and Ilija Sivonjic could all be monitored over the next week. Dario Smoje and Tomislav Labdurovic may also be considered to add strength to the squad which struggled under new coach Luka Pavlovic after making a fine start to the season under Ivo Susak.

SIVONJIC AND RODIC AVAILABLE

2011-01-29T00:05:00.001-08:00

Dinamo Zagreb striker Ilija Sivonjic has found himself back in limbo after Lokomotiva decided not to retain him for the peak season. Instead Loko will turn to Dodo to partner the vastly experienced Nino Bule in attack, with Ivan Peko, Dalibor Pandza and Marko Simic as support.

Sivonjic, arguably is in need of a complete change of environment to revive his career. The forward seemed ideally suited to Inter Zapresic where he impressed initially prior to his switch to Dinamo. However Zapresic since signed Aleksandr Trajkovic and Matija Matko who have both performed well and paid out for Albanian Arber Abilijaj. Unless Zapresic can farm out Abilijaj back to Albania then there is currently no room for Sivonjic.

More realistic is NK Zagreb who are light on strikers after realising Xhevahir Sukaj to Vllazina. NK Zagreb could also be a possibility for Ivan Rodic who is looking for a new club after surprisingly being let go by NK Rijeka. Zagreb would also be a realistic surrounding for Ivan Bosnjak or Miroslav Saric who are still without a club after over 6 months.

BELUPO GET THEIR KILLER

2011-01-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

Slaven Belupo have made one of the coups of the January transfer window after signing striker Leon Benko. The 27 year old arrives on a free transfer from Kortrijk, having also spent time with Standard Liege and Nuremburg.

Benko should take to life easily back in HNL1, having shown enough abroad in stronger leagues to be a notable force. Benko was arguably just what Belupo were missing after Franjo Tepuric and Tomislav Busic failed to impress in the first half of the season. New signing Nikola Frzuljec also has not scored a goal this season. Benko is expected to partner Aljosa Vojinovic in attack with Stjepan Poljak and Goran Mujanovic supplying the creativity.

Meantime, Hajduk Split have ended their interest in Mladen Bartulovic after signing Sikori Briceg left back Josip Barisic. Barisic may have been signed as cover for Goran Jozinovic who could be set to gain his chance. Hajduk fans however may see this as a cheap option and missed chance to reinvest in the side, with other possibilities like Renato Puncec and Marko Babic declined. Mate Bilic's high profile switch from Sporting Gijon also seems to late in the transfer window to go through.

Bilic's Croatian international colleagues Ivan Rakitic and Srdjan Lakic have however made big money deals. Rakitic, who is one of Croatia's hottest talents has joined Sevilla from Schalke for 3m Euro's whilst goalscorer Srdjan Lakic moves across from Kaiserslautern to Wolfsburg. Lakic's switch is likely to leave Kaiserslautern vulnerable in the remainder of the season.

SLEPICKA GETS LOAN CHANCE

2011-01-28T06:11:00.001-08:00

Czech forward Miroslav Slepicka is set to gain a break from his unhappy spell with Dinamo Zagreb as will spend the rest of season on loan with Grenther Furth in Germany.

Slepicka, 28 arrived two seasons ago, but failed to the net regularly. The former Sparta Prague man however has far from been outplayed by fellow strikers Jakob Sylvestr, Ante Rukavina or Fatos Beciraj in the goalscoring department. However his departure may now open a window of opportunity for Andrej Kramaric and Mario Situm to get some games.

Whilst Slepicka arrives in Feurth, captain Marino Biliskov has left to sign for Ingoltstat. The 34 year old however will be satisfied to obtained the transfer at such a point in his career.

HAJDUK START REINFORCEMENT PLAN

2011-01-28T01:51:00.000-08:00

Hajduk Split look set to add experience to their ranks having made their second major sale during the January transfer window recieving in total in the region of 10m Euro's. Following Senijad Ibricic's switch to Lokomotive Moscow, Hajduk want to bring Sporting Gijon's Mate Bilic to partner Ante Vukusic in a two man strike force. With Hajduk's new spending power they should be able to at least acquire Bilic on loan who has shown in switches to Spanish Segunda liga sides his main desire is to play.

Less realistic is Hajduk's pursuit of Mladen Bartulovic, who after reasonable spells in Krivbass and Arsenal Kyiv should be able to obtain a deal in Ukraine or Russia having already served his time as a young player in HNL1. Unlike Bilic, who is 31 Bartolovic is still only 24 and still has a career abroad in front of him. Should Hajduk achieve both transfers however it should recharge the team ahead of peak season.

More realistic purchases seemed to come in the form of ex Croatian internationals who lost their way such as Marko Babic and Jurica Vranjes. Sasa Bjelanovic meantime has gone back to Serie B in Italy with Atalanta.

BODUL AND KERIC IN LIMBO

2011-01-26T06:46:00.000-08:00

Slovan Liberec have sent star striker Andrej Keric to the reserve team after the 24 year old former Cibalia man signed a prelimenary contract with Sparta Prague. Liberec appear frustrated that Keric made a deal which sees Liberec recieves no transfer fee as his contract expires in the summer. Keric scored 6 goals so far this season, building on his 16 goal tally in 2008/09 season which made him the Czech leagues highest scorer. Despite the break, the naturally pacey Keric, should be sufficiently prepared when he moves across to Sparta to team up with Croat defender Manuel Pamic.

Meantime, Darko Bodul has been made available on a free transfer by Ajax after failing to make a league appearence this season. Ajax were not too impressed by Bodul's performance out on loan with Sparta Rotterdam and resultantly signed new forwards leaving him down the pecking order. At 22 however Bodul can still bounce back and may look to the Belgian or Austrian league to revive his fortunes with Ivan Perisic and Nikica Jelavic examples of success to follow.

Elsewhere Dinamo Zagreb's long serving Brazilian full back Etto has signed for Greek club PAOK. The 30 year who holds Croatian citizenship has impressed since arriving back in 2005 clocking over 100 appearences as full back and wingman. Etto was expected to cover at right back if Sime Vrsaljko's move to Arsenal went through, but Dinamo may now turn to Ivan Tomecak leaving a vacancy for Pedro Morales to return to the team on the right wing. Dinamo also may allow Sammir to transfer soon having signed up Mehmad Alispahic, whilst Antun Palic can also cover. There is also question marks over the future of Ilija Sivonjic, who is no longer with Lokomotiva. Instead Dinamo are attempting to persuade Andrej Kramaric to join Loko on loan.

BABIC OPTION FOLLOWING STRINIC DEAL

2011-01-26T02:45:00.000-08:00

Ivan Strinic's surprise switch from Hajduk Split to Ukraine's Dnipro could open the door for Marko Babic to reestablish himself. Babic, 28 is currently a free agent and could prove an attractive signing for Hajduk who are looking for an experienced player having sold Senijad Ibricic and lost Srdjan Andric to injury. Although Hajduk have young defender Goran Jozinovic to cover left back and have recalled Mario Ticinovic, there roster looks on the surface to be too young to remove Dinamo from the top of the table. With Ibricic, gone Dinko Trebotic will step in, but barely has 20 games to his name. In attack Ante Vukusic has lost Ibricic's support and substitute striker at present is equally Duje Cop. Its therefore likely the eratic Anas Sharbini may be asked to play as a forward, with Ticinovic moving across to left wing.

A strong left back will therefore be key. Hajduk are however in the business of currently saving there money as shown in their disinterest in recruiting Ivica Krizanac as a 5th centre back. Babic, however has no serious injury and could be an option in a position where they are light. Another ex target Jurica Vranjes, meantime is not likely to be an option unless Werder Bremen release him from the remainder of his contract. Unfortunately for Hajduk, the money for Ibricic and Strinic came to late to make a deal for Sibenik's Mehmad Alispahic who instead moves to Dinamo at the end of the season. Varazdin's Roberto Puncec however still remains available.

KRIZANAC MOVES TO SPLIT

2011-01-26T00:17:00.000-08:00

RNK Split have made a surprise coup by signing former Croatian international and Zenit St Petersburg defender Ivica Krizanac. The 32 year old was not believed to be fancied by Hajduk, who put their faith in Jurica Buljat, Mario Maloca with Hjorve Vejic also on the books as cover. Krizanac however is expected to have a big impact around the club at RNK working under Ivan Katilinic.

Ex Hajduk coach Zoran Vulic has also been busy with Istra 1961 signing ex Slaven Belupo forward Mario Juric. The 34 year old has missed six months of football, but may add some experience. Bosko Stupic has been allowed to leave, whilst Eliomar, Edin Hadzic and Armend Alimi have been given another chance to prove themselves. Franjo Tepuric however is expected to start in attack with Asim Sehic.

Belupo themselves look to be heavily reliant on Aljosa Vojinovic after allowing Tepuric and more notably Mateas Delic to transfer. Similarly Rijeka will be placing trust in Radomir Dalovic, having released 4 goal Ivan Rodic. On the surface allowing proven HNL1 player like Rodic to go in order to purchase Sergio Zijler signifies financial stress. Rodic may surface in Croatia and may in fact be a target for Belupo, who are also questionably putting there hopes in Nikola Frzuljec who failed to score in the first half of the season for Dragovoljac.

No news in Varazdin, although Gordan Golik and Srebenko Posavec could still sign to cover for midfield hole left by the sale of Josip Brezovec. Ex Varazdin player Leon Benko was also up for sale on a free, but it appears neither Rijeka or Slaven Belupo who would normally be in for such a player have the wage package to offer him. Such restrictions would also explain why Ivan Bosnjak also continues to sit on the sidelines. However at 24, Miroslav Saric needs to suit up to a new club soon after failing to gain a proposition abroad.

At Lokomotiva, Dodo arrives to add weight to a forward line which should be sufficient for HNL1. Nino Bule continues to find the net and is rightly first choice with Dodo now joining Ilija Sivonjic and Marko Simic. With Domogoj Antolic, Tomislav Martinac and Ivan Peko in midfield Loko should also have sufficient creativity. With Almir Bekic gone, Croatia Under 21 star Arjan Ademi has been rumoured to arrive as Dinamo Zagreb coach Vaha Halilhodzic prefers Adrian Callelo, Brezovec and Matias Chago at the present moment in time.

Coming back to Dinamo, Zdravko Mamic could be set to embark on yet another high profile transfer with ex Lokomotiva defender Sime Vrsaljko wanted by Arsenal. Olympic Lyon and Croatia centre back Dejan Lovren also could be off to Fenerbahce. Meanwhile, Inter Zapresic coach Ilija Loncarevic is taking it easy after seeing his team go from the bottom three in the division to a top 5 place in the matter of a couple of months. Despite Antun Palic's transfer to Dinamo, Loncarevic's team were mainly bolstered by the return of Mario Grgurovic.

BILIC AND KLASNIC UNDER THREAT

2011-01-23T02:50:00.000-08:00

Croatian internationals Mate Bilic and Ivan Klasnic could be set to be frozen out by Slaven Bilic if they are unable to find form in the second half of the campaign. Bilic, 30 and Klasnic soon to be 31 have struggled to find a starting place with Sporting Gijon and Bolton Wanderers respectively. For Bilic, the Premira Liga is a unforgiving league and Gijon who have worked magic with the aid of Bilic in last two seasons, look this campaign to be finding survival from relegation just that little bit harder. At 30 Spain may no longer be the place for Bilic to be and moves out to Turkey, France or even a loan move back to Hajduk Split seems his major hope of resalvaging his national team jersey. A huge shame for a player who showed immediate promise with 3 goals in just 5 games.

As for Klasnic, he is yet to be handed a Premier League start at Bolton Wanderers and it appears his one touch strikes to snatch important points such as at Everton and Stoke City may no longer do it for Manager Owen Coyle, who has his eye on Mexican talent Carlos Vela. With Arsene Wenger satisfied with Coyle's work with Jack Wilkshere a loan deal for Vela looks highly likely. Meantime Johann Elmander and Kevin Davies continue to keep Klasnic out and he may see little chance for the remainder of the reason. Klasnic does have interest from St Pauli, a club with personal meaning to him, but like many Croatian players whether Klasnic can forsake his Bolton contract is another matter. Whilst Klasnic is out of the picture its unlikely he'll feature for Croatia.

There is more positive news on Nikola Kalinic, who looks set to feature regularly under new Blackburn Rovers coach Steve Keen. Having scored against Malta it appears Kalinic will get the nod over Klasnic and Mate Bilic. At 21 Kalinic has more running power and may get more time than when he was featuring somewhat bizarre on Slaven Bilic's squad lists two seasons ago.

Disappointingly however Daniel Cesarec of Aris Salonika, Ante Rukavina of Dinamo Zagreb and to a lesser extent Mario Budimir of Ethnikos and Slovan Liberec's Andrej Keric have not found the neccessary form to challenge for a place. Mario Gavranovic also is out of the picture at Schalke. One name however to keep an eye on is Hoffenheim's Boris Vuckcevic.

STARS OF 2010/ 11

2011-01-23T01:13:00.000-08:00

LUKA MODRIC
The diminitive playmaker of Tottenham Hotspur needs little introduction these days, but this season Modric has finally proven himself a class act in his rightful position in central midfield in arguably the most physical league in the world. Modric has been showing some classy moments in supply to Aoran Lennon, Gareth Bale and Rafael Van Der Vaart this season which has made Spurs one of England's most watchable sides. In keeping with his character, Modric still only 25 refuses to get carried away and is signed to a long term contract.

SRDJAN LAKIC
Lakic is a lesson for any young Croatian that leaves the domestic league early and finds his first season hard going that he can bounce back. Lakic had a unnoteworthy first season in Hertha Berlin after being signed from Kamen Ingrad. However a impressive spell out on loan at unfancied Dutch side Heracles did Lakic the world of good and he was snapped up by Kaiserslautern. Now in his third successful season with them he has been taking the Bundesliga by storm with 18 goals in 20 games in all competitions only half way into the campaign. For Croatia Lakic's arrival brings a new dimension to the forward line with a player of his kind having not been seen since Dado Prso and Tomislav Maric retired from the game. Arguably with such playmakers and crossers as Daniel Pranjic, Mladen Petric, Eduardo, Dario Srna, Niko Kranjcar, Ivan Rakitic and Luka Modric a player like Lakic (plus Jelavic) with ariel prowess was the missing ingrediant. Lakic's teammate Ivo Ilicevic has also had a fine season and has edged in front of Drago Gabric to gain a place in the squad.

TOMISLAV PULJIC
A player who would have gone unnoticed by many in Croatia is Tomislav Puljic who has been highly successful since his switch from Lokomotiva to FC Luzern. The only surprising thing is how this 27 year old with experience escaped the attention of Dinamo Zagreb. Puljic is a outright first choice centre back for the league leaders and has also contributed 3 goals in his 18 games so far. Puljic had been set to sign for Karlovac, but will be glad to have changed his mind as looks to have a career ahead of him abroad.

MARIO BARIC
The price tag and stature of right sided defender Mario Baric has absolutely rocked in the last 12 months having firstly impressed at Karlovac leading to his switch to Belgian side AA Gent for a mere £264,000. 22 games on with appearences in the Europa Liga Baric is a important part of Gent who are currently placed 4th and now have Baric rated as a one million pound player. Baric is now 25, but looks set to join the likes of Ivan Leko and Tomislav Mikulic in forging a decent career for himself in Western Europe.

IVAN LEKO
Leko himself has been in impressive form this season, somewhat surprisingly at the age of 32. The Lokeron man has 5 goals and 6 assists and this may indicate this could be the man to stabilise Hajduk following Senijad Ibricic's departure. However Leko is not going to want to leave Belgium whilst still in this kind of form and has a contract till 2013.

DARIO SRNA
With still a year left on his contract at Shakthar Donetsk, the Croatian international star is still giving it his all to the Ukrainian club who are topping their domestic league and reached the last 16 of the Champions League coming up ahead of Arsenal in their group. For so long now it would be hard to think of there not being a Shakhtar Donetsk which continuously attacked down the wings through Dario Srna and Ravtzan Rat going on to feed the majestic Brazilians Jadson, Fernandiniho and Wilian. For Srna there is no real need to move. Whilst many Croatians have tried bigger clubs and leagues only to fall from grace, Srna has guarenteed himself 30 plus matches a season and is Croatia's second highest all time scorer to boot from his position on the right midfield. At 29, approaching 30 years of age next year, Srna may allow himself one last chance at a stronger league in Italy, England, Germany or Spain having little to lose. However only a Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Milan type club is likely to entice him.

IVAN PERISIC
It seems ridiculous how long Croatian Under 21 coach Drazen Ladic took to notice this exciting young attacking midfielder who compares in playing style to Mikael Ballack and Frank Lampard. Perisic is already a huge talent and is now in the second outstanding season in Belgium and is being cited by Everton as a replacement for Steven Pienaar. However agreeing a fee for a midfielder who scored 12 goals in half the season already and is contracted till 2015 will prove difficult. Bruges may be kind and let the player go for around 6m, but could be grossly undervalued in the long run. For Croatia, Perisic is currently a player Slaven Bilic insists on wasting and which indicates to the negative side of the HNS that many fans find distasteful that a misfiring Mario Mandzukic and struggling Dinamo Zagreb prospect Milan Badelj could ever be considered to be playing better than Perisic at the moment. Adding Perisic who can play in attack and midfield to a squad featuring the already proven Kranjcar, Rakitic, Srna, Pranjic and Modric is exciting for many Croatia fans. With Jelavic and Lakic, also joining the likes of Ivica Olic, Mladen Petric, Eduardo and Nikola Kalinic as options in attack the whole position in the Croatia National Team looks brighter.

HAJDUK TO GO WITH YOUNGSTERS

2011-01-23T00:55:00.000-08:00

Hajduk Split look set to retain the money recieved from the sale of Bosnia Herzegovina international playmaker Senijad Ibricic and put their faith in youth. Dinko Trebotic has been highlighted as the likely successor to Ibricic, whilst Mario Ticinovic has also been recalled from his loan at Karlovac and is expected to challenge Trebotic and Anas Sharbini for a starting place. Should the scheme fail Srdjan Andric may be pushed forward to supply the creativity with Mario Brkljaca, Erwin Bulku and first choice Marin Ljubicic able to cover the defensive midfield slot.

In attack Hajduk still seem satisfied with the performance of 19 year old Croatia Under 21 international striker Ante Vukusic to lead the line alone, with Duje Cop in support. Ahmad Sharbini whilst being linked with Istra 1961 should still see opportunities following Ibricic's departure to Lokomotiva Moscow. Hajduk could take chances on spending some of the Ibricic money to bring Mate Bilic from Sporting Gijon or Ivica Krizanac on a free transfer after issueing a come and get me plea after ending a hugely successful spell with Zenit St Petersburg. However Krizanac could only come if he can prove he is fit to play the majority of the games or if Legia Warsaw step up their interest in Jurica Buljat. At present however Hajduk seem happy to leave Buljat and Mario Maloca as their defensive pairing with Matej Jonjic and Hjorve Vejic as cover. Financially Hajduk may play safe with at least second place highly likely, when players such as former target Jurica Vranjes will also be cheaper to purchase.

STILL IN THE BAG

2011-01-22T08:15:00.000-08:00

MIROSLAV SARIC

Miroslav Saric enjoyed a productive goalscoring season last campaign with Inter Zapresic. However his form drifted in Spring, leading Zapresic to return him to Dinamo and he is now a free agent. Saric, had an unsuccessful trial with Bucaspor, but could find himself back in HNL1 with Cibalia, Istra Pula and Zagreb all looking for creative forwards.

IVAN BOSNJAK
Former Croatia international Ivan Bosnjak would appear the biggest free agent coup for HNL1 sides looking for a new forward. Bosnjak was highly successful with Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split and Cibalia before moving abroad with Racing Genk.

His last two seasons with Genk and Irakilis however were disappointing and although he is likely to be in demand in Croatia he will need to prove his fitness. Fortunately for the 31 year old HNL1 is not the most physically intense league on the continenent. Aging stalwarts as Tomislav Erceg, Robert Spehar, Davor Vugrinec, Nino Bule and Zjelko Sopic also enjoyed successful spells in the latter part of their careers in Croatia and there is no reason why Bosnjak can't follow in similar fashion. It is unlikely Hajduk would sign Bosnjak due to the players history with Dinamo Zagreb. However a deal with Dinamo is not out the question, although Rijeka, Istra Pula and former team Cibalia may be more likelier destinations.

IVAN RODIC
After a fairly promising first half of the season at Rijeka, it was surprising the Kantrida based club allowed striker Rodic to go free. Rodic appeared able support to Radomir Dalovic, but Rijeka seemed unable to afford the players wages and instead will turn to Vedran Gerc and Sandi Krizman. Rodic netted 4 times in his short spell at Rijeka, building on the reputation he made whilst with Sibenik. Sibenik would love to have there former player back, especially with Mehmad Alispahic on his way to Dinamo at the end of the season. Rodic however may search for an engagement abroad, whilst Slaven Belupo may also be looking.

GORDAN GOLIK

Former Varazdin player Gordan Golik is available on a free transfer after being released by Lech Poznan. Golik made 81 appearences for Varazdin before being signed by the Polish club for around 300,000 Euro's. However he has rarely been used in Poland and was made available at the start of August.

MARKO MARIC
Maric, 27 plays in central midfield and could return to HNL1 after a disappointing last three seasons in which he played just 5 matches for Lille, scoring 1 goal and 4 matches at Skoda Xanthi before being released. Maric made something of a reputation for himself in Greece at Egaeleo which earned him a move to France. Offers in Greece may now be few and far between and so the former Zagreb player looks likely to return to Croatia.

MARKO BABIC
It appears strange how Babic, a player with 49 caps for Croatia and experience in the Champions league with Bayer Leverkusen can remain a free agent for too long. Following his performances at the 2006 World Cup it was hard to forsee this, however Babic didn't impressed at Real Betis, Hertha Berlin or Real Zaragoza and needs to drop his level to a suitably sized club where he will play. Babic's inactivity has been a lost option for Croatia for whom he had regularly given a good account of himself.

HNL1 WINTER TRANSFERS

2011-01-22T02:41:00.000-08:00

RIJEKA
IN: Milan Duricic (Buducnost), Sergio Zijler
OUT: Ivan Rodic, Miroslav Karoglan (Armed Forces), Mikael Yourrawsky

KARLOVAC
IN: Marijan Budimir (Zapresic)
OUT: Mario Ticinovic (Hajduk Split), Goran Juros (Weitz)

NK ZAGREB
IN: Krunoslav Rendulic (Lucko), Vedran Celiscak (Medimurje), Neven Markovic (Kerkya), Carlos (Dinamo)
OUT: Zhevahir Sukaj (Vllazina), Josip Mikulic (Chicago Fire), Dino Stiglec (Lucko), Vedran Celjak (Sampdoria)

ZADAR
IN: Jakov Surac, Marin Alexon (Hajduk)
OUT: Ferdo Milin (Retired)

SLAVEN BELUPO
In: Nikola Frluzjec (Dragovoljac), Leon Benko (Kortrijk), Tomislav Hajovic (Lokomotiva)
Out: Francis Tepulic (Istra 1961), Goran Bulic (Slatina), Mateas Delic (Gangwon), Tomislav Labudurovic, Filip Marcic (RNK Split)

ISTRA PULA 1961
In: Franjo Tepulic (Belupo), Julio Barrabes, Dario Puric (Steel), Mario Juric (Slaven Belupo), Mirko Plantic (Sesvete), Igor Weitzer (Sikori Briceg)
Out: Marijan Markovic (First Vienna), Gjerj Bushaj, Bosko Stupcic, Igor Zurzinov

NK CIBALIA
OUT: Boris Leutar (Retired)

DINAMO ZAGREB
IN: Antun Palic (Zapresic), Josip Brezovec (Varazdin)
OUT: Dodo (Lokomotiva), Igor Vidakovic (Dragovoljac), Etto (PAOK), Miroslav Slepicka (Feurth), Carlos (Zagreb)

HAJDUK SPLIT
IN: Mario Ticinovic (Karlovac), Mario Sacer (Varazdin)
OUT: Tonci Kukoc (Dragovoljac), Senijad Ibricic (Lokomotiv Moscow), Leo Novak (NK Zagreb), Marin Alexon (Zadar), Ivan Strinic (Dnipro)

HRVATSKI DRAGOVOLJAC
IN: Igor Vidakovic (Dinamo), Tonci Kukoc (Hajduk)
OUT: Alen Mesanovic (Sloboda Tuzla), Nikola Frzuljec (Slaven Belupo), Leopold Novak (Hajduk), Plumb Jusufi (Gorica)

INTER ZAPRESIC
IN: Ante Budimir (Gorica), Ivan Mrsic & Mirko Kramaric (Lokomotiva), Tomislav Ivankovic (Brdovec)
OUT: Antun Palic (Dinamo), Nenad Nikolic, Mario Sopic

LOKOMOTIVA
IN: Dodo (Dinamo), Walid Atta (AIK), Lamin Sametah (Steve Biko)
OUT: Ivan Mrsic (Zapresic), Almir Bekic (Sloboda Tuzla), Ilija Sivonjic, Tomislav Hajovic (Belupo)

OSIJEK
IN: Mark Leskovic (Suhopolje)
OUT: Sasa Novakovic & Toni Kacunic (Crikvenica), Peter Stojkic, Vedran Niksic (Gyor)

RNK SPLIT
IN: Filip Marcic (Slaven Belupo), Ante Capin (Imotski), Ivica Krizanac (Zenit)
OUT: Petar Simic, Dalibor Mandaric (Imotski), Ivan Muslin (Solin), Qeremi Shpat

VARAZDIN
IN: Srebrenko Posavec (Slaven Belupo), Antonio Asanovic (Hajduk), Matias Zubak (Sesvete)
OUT: Josip Brezovec (Dinamo), Mario Sacer (Hajduk), Stjepan Kokot & Dario Suntesic (Medimurje), Matija Katanec (Baumgarten)

HNK SIBENIK
IN: Dario Kristo (Omis), Marko Culic (Junak)

BANOVIC FIRST TO MOVE

2011-01-06T06:12:00.000-08:00

SC Freiburg midfielder Ivica Banovic will continue his career with SV Duisburg after agreeing a switch last week. Banovic has enjoyed a successful career to date in Germany playing his football with Werder Bremen, Nuremburg, before guiding Frieburg to promotion. At 30 years of age, Banovic will be satisfied to still be attracting competitive German clubs which opportunities of promotion.

Banovic, will be joined in Bundesliga 2 by Josip Tadic, who needs to rebuild his career at Arminia Bielfeld after a poor spell in France with Grenoble. Mario Gavranovic also looks set for a Germany switch going from Schalke to St Pauli, however this deal is yet to be completed. In Holland Dario Vuckcevic will play the remainder of the season with Venlo after failing to establish himself at FC Twente.

Free agents Marko Babic and Dino Drpic will also need to suit up to a new club as soon as possible. Drpic at present is closest to a new employer after interest from Greek club AEK Athens. Ajax's Darko Bodul also requires some football, whilst Werder Bremen also will like to see the back of defensive midfielder Jurica Vranjes.

DINAMO CONTINUE COLLECTING PLAYERS

2011-01-05T02:27:00.000-08:00

Dinamo coach Vahid Halilhodizic is guarenteed to be never short of options after the club bought a series of new players in December. Josip Brezovec arrives from Varazdin most likely to deputise for the injured Matias Chago. Brezovec however still has a fight to displace Arjan Ademi and Adrian Callelo in order to see any playing time. Similarly Antun Palic, who joins from Inter Zapresic must battle with Milan Badelj, Sammir and Pedro Morales for a space in the squad. Mateo Kovacic and Mario Situm were also brought up from the youth system. Should Sibenik also allow Mehmed Alispahic to sign up, Dinamo however may consider transferring Sammir or Badelj, but neither are likely to go for less than 8m Euro's.

In order to replace Brezovec, Varazdin may turn to their former player Gordan Golik who is still only 25 and available on a free transfer. Srebrenko Posavec has also been training with the club and may now be signed up to a contract. Slaven Belupo and Rijeka may also be hunting for new players. Belupo agreed a deal worth 2m Euro's for star forward Mateas Delic to join Gangwon in South Korea. Meantime Amkar Perm and Sheffield Wednesday are preparing a deal to sign Rijeka's Montenegro international striker Radomir Dalovic.

It would the third occasion Dalovic would have left Croatia to move abroad, but would open the door for Rijeka to attempt to re-sign Ahmad Sharbini from Rijeka. Bnei Sahknin's Dario Zahora could also become a target although he is currently under contract. Former Dinamo Zagreb player Ivan Bosnjak is still looking for a club which may interest Belupo or Rijeka, whilst Leon Benko may also be closing under the microscope having just been released from Kortrijk.

Many in demand HNL1 forwards may require transfer fees. Cibalia's Dino Kresinger and Mladen Bartolovic have enjoyed excellant seasons, whilst HNK Split have also been satisfied with the work of Romano Oblinovic and Bojan Golubovic. Another forward on the look out for a move is Dinamo's Brazilian striker Dodo who would welcome a switch to another HNL1 side such as Slaven Belupo or in form Inter Zapresic.

HNL1 ROUND 12

2010-10-24T11:41:00.000-07:00

CIBALIA 2 HAJDUK 1 (Prgomet, Bartolovic/ Vukusic)
DINAMO 1 SIBENIK 0 (Tomecak)
VARAZDIN 2 ISTRA PULA 1 (Dudic, Pauletic O.G/ Linic)
RIJEKA 1 OSIJEK 5 (Strok/ Milicevic, Smoje, Nikisic, Sorsa, Skoric)
KARLOVAC 1 LOKOMOTIVA 2 (Primorac/ Sopic, Bule)
SPLIT 1 ZAPRESIC 1 (Vidic/ Matko)
DRAGOVOLJAC 1 ZADAR 4 (Leko/ Santini, Banovic, Mrsic, Curjuric)
BELUPO 1 ZAGREB 2 (Milardovic/ Pavlovic, Dedic)

Hajduk Split slipped up 2-1 Cibalia, to give Dinamo Zagreb the chance to extend their lead at the top. The Croatian Champions duely defeated Sibenik 1-0 thanks to Ivan Tomecak's goal to go four points clear. RNK Split stay third after a 1-1 draw with in form Inter Zapresic. Cibalia's win over Hajduk moves them up to fourth with Kresimir Prgomet and former Hajduk man Mladen Bartolovic netting the goals.

Varazdin who are in danger of losing star man Josip Brezovec on a free transfer due to unpaid wages, are 5th after beating Istra Pula 2-1. Brezovec was given praise by both coaches for playing an influential role. Sinisa Linic scored his first goal for Pula. Zagreb jumped ahead of Rijeka into 6th after beat out of form Slaven Belupo 2-1. Belupo are sliding dangerous towards the relegation zone, where Zadar and Lokomotiva are showing plenty of fight. Zadar beat Dragovoljac 4-1, whilst Lokomotiva recorded a impressive 2-1 away victory over Karlovac. The common opinion is Loko are only in a temporary blip due to player injuries, however whilst goalscorers Nino Bule and Zjelko Sopic continue to perform the team has a chance.

Sibenik have also been improving, so above Istra Pula and Dragovoljac who are stranded their is expected to be a severe fight for survival. The capabilities of the 14th placed teams upwards would suggest the league is largely evenly matched exempting the bottom two and Dinamo Zagreb. If HNS were to study the league they would see that their our 14 teams capable of competing well in the countries top flight.

HNL1 ROUND 11

2010-10-16T23:49:00.000-07:00

SIBENIK 3 SPLIT 0
LOKOMOTIVA 1 VARAZDIN 2
OSIJEK 1 DINAMO 3
HAJDUK 1 BELUPO 0
CIBALIA 3 DRAGOVOLJAC 0
ISTRA 0 RIJEKA 0
ZAGREB 1 KARLOVAC 2
ZAPRESIC 1 ZADAR 0

Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split moved clear of RNK Split at the top of the table after both claimed wins over Osijek and Slaven Belupo respectively. Dinamo beat Osijek 3-1 despite going behind to Vedran Nikisic's goal. Milan Badelj, Sammir and Fatos Beciraj who is starting to proving himself a decent goalscorer got Dinamo the full three points. Dinamo surprisingly played with two holding midfielders, with Mathias Chago having found himself a spot in the team. Over recent weeks Vahid Halilhodzic seems to have stopped rotating and has decided on an 11. Tomislav Barbaric, Luis Ibanez and Adrian Callelo have not regularly been in the frame, but its likely they are still part of the clubs plans. Dodo and Miroslav Slepicka seemed to have little future with the club.

Hajduk's 1-0 win over Slaven Belupo came via Ante Vukusic. This is his 12th goal in 16 games in all competitions. At this stage it is hard to pass judgement on whether this 19 year old will be a future Croatian player. However he has surprised many this season and is starting to fill the boots of the Nikola Kalinic, who was sold to Blackburn Rovers over a year ago. Rijeka stay fourth after a disappointing goalless draw with winless Istra Pula.

Cibalia moved up to 5th with a comfortable 3-0 win over Dragovoljac. Dino Kresinger, Kreso Prgomet and Mladen Bartolovic were on target. Varazdin claimed yet another great win defeating Lokomotiva away from home 2-1. The reliable Nino Bule struck for Lokomotiva, however Varazdin through Filip Svorc into the action who netted twice to turn the game in Varazdin's favour. Lokomotiva have dropped into the relegation zone and our counting the cost of injuries to key players. Bagaric, Sivonjic, Hajovic, Simic and Antolic are currently all laid low.

Whilst Lokomotiva struggle, Dinamo's former feeder club Zapresic have come to life with an series of 1-0 victories. This time recording a crucial win over strugglers Zadar thanks to Antun Palic's penalty. Zapresic are now free of the relegation zone and looking further up the table. The arrival of Matija Matko and the return of Mario Grgurovic has worked wonders for Zapresic. Aleksandr Trajkovski has also added competition up front after he was finally registered.

There also appears light at the end of the tunnel for Sibenik who demolished HNL1 team of the season so far RNK Split 3-0. The club is starting to get their best players fit again. Marko Kartelo and two goals from Drazen Jelic made the difference. With Sibenik and Zapresic showing fight, Zadar, Osijek and Lokomotiva need to raise their game. Zagreb are also slipping in the wrong direction, who were defeated by improving Karlovac 2-1. Neither side will be overly concerned at this stage.

HNL1 ROUND 10

2010-10-03T00:30:00.000-07:00

RNK Split continued their super form with yet another 1-0 win, this time defeating NK Osijek thanks to a late goal by Bojan Golubovic. Its safe to say the HNL1 newcomers will not be returning to the lower levels of Croatian football any time soon. Sports Director Nenad Pralija and coach Ivan Katilinic are responsible for excellation preparation on the team prior to the season.

Rijeka moved back into fourth with a fine 3-0 win over Lokomotiva. In response Loko's coach Roy Ferencina left his post which could destabilise the club. The team need to get back to winning ways as soon as possible. The teams disappointing results seem to have coincided with injuries to Tomislav Martinac, Nino Bule and Zjelko Sopic, whilst loan signing Ilija Sivonjic has not had the desire effect. Rijeka's goals came through Ivan Rodic, Kristjian Caval and Damir Kreilach. Zagreb and Varazdin played out a goalless draw so stay safely positioned in 5th and 7th respectively.

Slaven Belupo and Cibalia are played a predictable 1-1 draw with both sides evenly matched this season. Mladen Bartolovic opened the scoring for Cibalia before Stjepan Poljak came off the bench to equalise. Down at the lower end of the table Sibenik picked up a crucial 4-1 win over Zadar which brings them back amongst the living, just one point from there opponents and two points from fifth bottom Lokomotiva. Two goals from Mehmed Alispahic, one from Daniel Georgievski and a strike from sub Drazen Jelic cancelled out Ivan Santini's opener for Zadar, who later had Igor Banovic red carded.

Sibenik's victory worsened the plight of Hrvatski Dragovoljac who are still winless. Dragovoljac drew 0-0 with in form Inter Zapresic.

VARAZDIN CONSIDERING POSAVEC

2010-09-30T01:01:00.001-07:00

NK Varazdin are considering making a move for Srebrenko Posavec after the playmaker impressed in a friendly in midweek. The 30 year old has been residing in the Croatian city after failing to tie down a new contract with Slaven Belupo. Posavec has been one of the strongest performers in HNL1 over the last ten years and despite being in free agent status is rated by transfermarkt.de as a 1m Euro player.

It is understood Posavec left Belupo as they were over capacitated in that area with Aljosa Vojinovic and Goran Mujanovic already on board. Belupo also wanted to bring the younger Stjepan Poljak back to the club. For Varazdin, Posavec would be a major addition and would be reunited with former teammate Nikola Safaric. However the deal is currently on ice as Varazdin need to shift out a midfielder first and the quartet of Glavina - Glavica - Golubar - Susac are currently performing well. In the winter Varazdin would like to raise funds from the sale of there two stars Roberto Puncec and Josip Brezovec who have been little short of outstanding so far this season. At that point Safaric is expected to be moved into the starting line and Posavec may become an option. At present Varazdin are deciding whether they strike a deal with Posavec now or wait till then. The club may also look at Gordan Golik as a new defensive midfield man.

The rejuvenation of Varazdin in the face of what is a financial mess has been so expected to Varazdin that the club suddenly need to decide what to do with Gordan Vuk, Andrej Vuk and Adi Musli who all appear surplus to requirements and may be allowed to move on. One thing Varazdin need to stay weary of is players moving freely due to unpaid wages. Josip Brezovec is playing so well that he deserves a transfer to a bigger club and Puncec is continuing the same form that helped earn Croatia a semi final place in the Under 19 Euro Championships. Varazdin lost Igor Prahic and Matija Smrekar to French Ligue 2 promotion chasers Sedan last year for little to no money. Smrekar since looks likely to go onto some degree of success, so Varazdin must stay guarded of losing such talents for nothing.

ISTRA FACING HARD SEASON

2010-09-26T00:52:00.000-07:00

Istra 1961 look set for a difficult season, after failing to win a game in the first nine matches. Much of the problems can be attributed to poor preparation as one of the league best coaches Zoran Vulic was allowed to leave the club and the directors were slow in providing funds for new players to be brought to the club. Istra do now have their full crop of players. However inspirational striker Asim Sehic has been injured and new signing Edin Hadzic, Hjorve Kovacevic and Armend Alimi have not lived up to expectations. With so many relegation spots its hard to see how Istra can survive.

Istra seemed to have passed up on the idea of bringing high profile names such as Ivan Bosnjak and Dario Zahora (now of Bnei Sahknin). They did pursuade Sinisa Linic to sign up, however problems are in the creative and goalscoring department. Armend Alimi and Kovacevic seem not to be making their mark. The club could attempt to switch things around if the clubs wealthy Russian owner has the ambition to stay in the league. Srebrenko Posavec and Miroslav Saric would be two adventurous recruits and can play immediately due to being in free agent status.

In attack Asim Sehic, Edin Hadzic, Eliomar and Bosko Stupic have done well in former years and may come alive if the supply is good enough.

HNL1 ROUND 9

2010-09-25T09:23:00.001-07:00

Hajduk Split stay top of the Croatian League after a comfortable 2-0 win over Varazdin. Ante Vukusic scored his seventh goal of the season, with the other coming from Duje Cop. Hajduk will be hugely delighted with the progress the young Croatian Under 21 international pair have made this season. Vukusic is the current top scorer in the league.

RNK Split kept up their excellant winning streak to improve their status in the top three beating crisis club Istra 1961 1-0. Slaven Belupo moved up to fifth after a comfortable 3-0 win over Dragovoljac. Vojinovic, Tepuric and Bagaric were on target. Belupo released Filip Marcic in midweek due to misconduct. Dragovoljac are becoming cut adrift at the bottom of the table with Istra 1961.

Inter Zapresic and Osijek recorded much needed wins to move away from the relegation zone. Zapresic have had an amazing turnaround in fortunes and picked up another 1-0 victory this time at Sibenik. Maligned Albanian striker Arber Abilijaj finally got his first goal of the season. Osijek were 3-2 winners against Zadar, which sent the opponents further into difficulty. Vedran Jugovic, Ivan Milicevic and Vedran Niksic scored in a hard fought win. Osijek will be relieved that Niksic, Milicevic and Josip Barisic are finally hitting the net again.

Cibalia prevented their slide towards to lower end of the table with a 1-0 win over Karlovac. Reliable striker Dino Kresinger scored their goal. Karlovac gave a debut to new signing Karlo Primorac, who last played for Dinamo Zagreb.

BOSNJAK STILL WAITING

2010-09-23T10:32:00.000-07:00

Croatian forward Ivan Bosnjak, still remains in free agent status after failing to lock down a deal with a new club prior to the new campaign. Although a foriegn contract appears unlikely, Bosnjak is still a catch for HNL1 sides. Cibalia is the hometown club of the 31 year old, but they do not have a financial package suitable for the ex Hajduk, Dinamo and Racing Genk man.

Bosnjak instead could be looking at a Croatian club like HNK Rijeka. Nenad Gracan may be interested in the winter should he lose Radomir Dalovic. However for now he is staying firmly within budget. Many Rijeka fans feel that the team needs a few more experienced attacking midfielder to help them compete with Dinamo and Hajduk. As well as Bosnjak, Srebrenko Posavec and Miroslav Saric are handy free agent signings.

Posavec, 30 and Gordan Golik, 25 could well be waiting for a deal with NK Varazdin who need to sell in the winter and may be taking a few months away to recharge. However Miroslav Saric is likely to be the next to sign up with a new club just to gain first team action having failed to secure a deal abroad. Cibalia, Karlovac, Istra Pula or Zadar could all be looking at him.

Abroad, Marko Maric may be looking around clubs. However once again he could prove an attractive recruit for Rijeka as replacement for Damir Kreilach who may recieve offers in the winter. Dino Drpic's situation also looks desperate as he has failed to land a new club. It is surprising no Bundesliga 1 or 2 offer has been lodged. Goran Sablic's injury issue could well have got the better off him. Usually such players as Sablic and Drpic were guarenteed deals in Dinamo or Hajduk, but times seem to have changed. Marko Babic has only beginning looking for a new club so still has time.

DINAMO SNAP UP SKENDER

2010-09-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb have completed the signing of 30 year old goalkeeper Marin Skender. The former Osijek player will provide cover to younger Under 21 international Ivan Keleva. Skender is however a former Croatia international and coach Vahid Halihodzic may feel Skender will provide better competition than Ivan Vidakovic, who has not played for Dinamo yet since being taken from Lokomotiva. The move to Dinamo is an opportunity for Skender who has been trying to find a new club since leaving NK Zagreb in the summer.

Elsewhere Karlo Primorac has finally agreed terms to sign with Karlovac. The 26 year old Osijek forward is being seen as a major recruit by Igor Pamic, who has funds from the transfers of Goran Bunoza, Nevan Vukman and Mario Baric. Pamic has been looking for a influential signing since allowing youngster Niko Tokic to leave the club. Pamic has also signed up former Inter Zapresic defender Marijan Budimir, due to an injury to Toni Golem.

Slaven Belupo may also be forced to look for a new player due to injury to their misfiring frontman Tomislav Busic. It is possible Aljosa Vojinovic and Mateas Delic may be forced to abandon their midfield roles to join Francis Tepuric and Matija Poredski in attack. Filip Marcic has also been released by the club due to misconduct, although his place in currently being filled by younger Puric.

Srebrenko Posavec, Ivan Bosnjak, Marko Babic, Dino Drpic, Goran Sablic, Marko Maric, Gordan Golik and Miroslav Saric remain without a club after two months into the new season. Posavec, Golik and Saric could yet find space in a HNL1 club, but the others may have to look abroad.

HNL1 ROUND 8

2010-09-17T23:41:00.001-07:00

ZAGREB 0 DINAMO 1 (Barbaric)
RIJEKA 0 HAJDUK 1 (Brkljaca)
ZAPRESIC 1 OSIJEK 0 (Saric)
VARAZDIN 2 CIBALIA 1 (Susac, Brezovec/ Kresinger)
DRAGOVOLJAC 0 SIBENIK 1 (Alispahic)
SPLIT 1 LOKOMOTIVA 0 (Vitaic)
ZADAR 2 ISTRA 0
KARLOVAC 1 BELUPO 0

RNK Split look set to launch a campaign for European football after yet another victory. This time at home to Lokomotiva. Ante Vitaic netted the only goal of the game. Karlovac are also on a good winning run with a impressive 1-0 win against Slaven Belupo. Igor Pamic intends to improve his team in midweek with a new signing and will be satisfied his latest arrival Cejvanovic found the net, whilst also keeping a clean sheet. Slaven Belupo meanwhile, have creativity in abundance from Stjepan Poljak, Aljosa Vojinovic and Goran Mujanovic, but are finding goals hard to come by. Mateas Delic has been satisfactory, however neither Francis Tepuric or summer signing Tomislav Busic have found the net so far this season.

Josip Brezovec once again showed his quality as he netted the winner to help Varazdin defeat Cibalia 2-1. Despite having the worse financial situation in HNL1, Varazdin have impressed so far this season with a fine young crop of player. Brezovec and Robert Puncec, stand out but Glavina, Glavica, Simek and Krklec have also performed well this season. Cibalia will see this as an opportunity lost. However Stanko Mrsic's side are still in a comfortable league position and will forward to their next match.

Inter Zapresic made it three wins in a row as they overcame Osijek 1-0 thanks to Tomislav Saric's strike. It was a important win for Zapresic which brings them back amongst the pack attempting to stay safe in midtable. Sibenik also recorded a victory against winless Hrvatski Dragovoljac. However Mehmad Alispahic's solitary penalty goal will not convince Vjekoslav Lokic they have turned the corner just yet. Despite Sibenik's win, Zadar recorded a win over lowly Istra Pula to edge clear of danger.

DINAMO BRING OUT THERE BEST

2010-09-16T13:13:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb recorded one of there best ever results in European competition defeating Villareal 2-0. The Croatian Champions currently coached by Vahid Halilhodzic played their game of the season with goals by the outstanding Sammir and Ante Rukavina.

Dinamo still have the same system employed by Velimir Zajec, which has been bringing the best out of Sammir. However Halilhodzic has made changes, bringing in the experienced Tonel in the centre of defence and moving Leandro Cufre to left back. Tomislav Barbaric has been dropped to the bench where he provides cover.

It also has not taken the Bosnian coach long to work out that Luis Ibanez is a stronger midfielder than a defender and is using him in an attacking role. Dinamo have also had success on the right wing where Sime Vrsaljko and Ivan Tomecak provide excellant energy and pace. The Croatian Under 21 international are a major hope for the countries footballing future. Halilhodzic has also put his trust in Arjan Ademi alongside Milan Badelj, but have two more than able deputies in Matias Chago and Adrian Callelo.

In attack Halilhodzic finally played Pedro Morales to the delight of many Dinamo fans, who enjoyed the Chileans performances last season. Morales is hugely talented and possessing strong shooting and passing skills. Dodo is expected to fall into the background with Fatos Beciraj and Jakub Sylvestr ready for games next week. Along with Dodo, Miroslav Slepicka will also struggle for action. The 28 year old is not the future of the team and may be made available for sale. Andrej Kramaric could also suffer. Etto, Chago and Ibanez are expected to have a place at Dinamo.

HARD TIMES FOR SIBENIK

2010-09-13T08:04:00.001-07:00

After seven rounds of matches there are desperate times ahead for relegation threatened HNK Sibenik, who need their new players to bed in and drive them to safety. Drazen Jelic, Niko Tokic, Ante Aracic, Marko Kartelo, Zjelko Malcic, Daniel Georgievski and Amauri have all arrived in a matter of weeks, but due to injury Sibenik have not been able to keep a consistent side.

Whilst Sibenik struggle, Inter Zapresic have improved with Antun Palic central to all the sides good work in attack. Macedonian striker Aleksander Trajkovski also seems to have added something where Albanian Arber Abiliajaj was struggling. Matija Matko is also expected to add some strength from the bench.

NK Zagreb, Rijeka, Slaven Belupo and Cibalia have as yet been untroubled at the start of the season. There is reasons to be positive for all those squads who should be challenging for a Europa Liga slot come the end of the season. RNK Split are also functioning perfectly under Ivan Katilinac after making some excellant signings. Split haven't even seen the best yet of Zvonimir Deranja as Romano Oblinovic and Bojan Golubovic has covered for him excellantly. There has even been rumours that Split could recieve offers in the winter for Golubovic.

Split will want to follow the example set by Karlovac, who are fighting hard in their second season in the Croatian top flight. Coach Igor Pamic has been keen to improve his squad, especially after transferring Mario Baric for 200,000 Euro's. However Pamic has found it hard to pursuade players that Karlovac is a worthy club to come to. Pamic was keen to sign former Osijek striker Karlo Primorac. However as the player spent the end of last season with Dinamo Zagreb and trialled with Eintract Frankfurt, it would appear the 26 year old feels he can gain a better offer. Primorac was a target for Rijeka and Slaven Belupo, but both sides now appear to have filled their striking vacancies. Whether Primorac would come back on the agenda of such sides or for Osijek or Zagreb in the winter is not known. Miroslav Saric could become a serious target for Karlovac for right midfield.

Osijek have returned to form after a poor start to the season. New players are now bedding in and Josip Barisic and Ivan Milicevic are finally back amongst the goals. Osijek's desire is to give their young players such as Pranjic, Jugovic, Vidakovic, Sorsa and Niksic every chance, before turning to the transfer market with the money they recieved from the sale of Domagoj Vida.

Varazdin have also been sitting safely, but will need to make a sale in the winter to avoid any more financial uncertainty. Josip Brezovec has been the pick of the players in the early part of the season and could gain interest abroad. Should he go there is a ready made replacement in former player Gordan Golik who is still a free agent. Rijeka coach Nenad Gracan might also be tempted to enter the transfer market to help the club kick on to the next level. Rijeka are top, but it appears only a matter of time before Dinamo Zagreb or Hajduk Split over take them. Rijeka will only be looking at free agents. Srebrenko Posavec could add creativity, whilst Marko Maric has experience in the Greek and French league and could bring something to the team. It is also thought Ivan Bosnjak is waiting for a club like Rijeka, but it is more likely Gracan would only make such a move should Radomir Dalovic transfer, as Bosnjak commands high wages.

At the bottom of the table Istra Pula have strengthened there team. Problems have been in attack, however Bosko Stupic, Edin Hadzic, Eliomar and Asim Sehic are have reputations and should really be enough to get by in HNL1. Pula need a little more in midfield from Armend Alimi and Hjorve Kovacevic. A strong central back may also be neccessary, although there are few on the market. Miroslav Saric may also be a target for Pula should the midfield not improve its performance.

HNL1 ROUND 7

2010-09-11T00:42:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split played out a 1-1 draw to stay in the top three. In form Sammir opened the scoring however Anas Sharbini equalised for a rejuvenated Hajduk. Many fans are still baffled by Dinamo's continued use of Dodo, who is yet to score this season whilst Pedro Morales and Luis Ibanez warm the bench. New signings Fatos Beciraj and Jakub Sylvestr are expected to be used in the coming weeks. Tonel made his debut in the centre of defence.

Rijeka stay top despite being demolished 4-1 by Cibalia. Radomir Dalovic thought a good week with Montenegro would continue with his club after opening the scoring. However Radotic, Bartolovic, Kresinger and Baraban also got goals. Frane Vitaic also made his debut for Cibalia.

Karlovac moved themselves away from danger by defeating hapless Hrvatski Dragovoljac 2-0. Karlovac had enjoyed good preparations during international break and Josip Jerneic and Ante Batarelo returned the coaches trust with the key goals. Lokomotiva have also improved their league position with a 3-2 win over Zadar. Nino Bule scored twice with Croatian Under 21 international Marko Simic, who missed an entire season with injury scoring the other.

Zagreb are slipping from the top three after a 2-0 defeat against the seasons surprise package HNK Split. Split are also finding goals from all areas of the pitch with Predrag Simic and Ante Vitaic netting on this occasion. Split are now in the top five in the table. Osijek also got their second win on the bounce with a 3-1 win over trouble Sibenik. Zoran Kvrzic, Josip Barisic and Ivo Smoje got the goals. Mehmad Alispahic was on target for Sibenik who are suffering from injuries.

Sibenik look the most likely candidates from the strongly fancied HNL1 sides who could be in danger of relegation this season. The teams major issue is goalscoring as they have struggled to find a replacement for Ermin Zec. Zjelko Malcic, Niko Tokic and Drazen Jelic have all arrived in recent weeks to try to alter the teams fortunes.

Sibenik's troubles were made worse on Sunday after Inter Zapresic claimed a important 1-0 victory over fellow strugglers Istra Pula. Croatia Under 21 international prospect Antun Palic netted the goal. Matija Matko and Aleksander Trajkovski have bolstered Zapresic's strikeforce during the international break. Trajkovski was recommended to Zapresic by Chelsea, but has only been able to compete after he turned 18 years old. Istra also strengthened their side signing Sinisa Linic. However Robert Jarni urgently needs striker Asim Sehic back from injury.

ZARAGOZA RELEASE BABIC

2010-09-08T08:38:00.000-07:00

Former Croatia international Marko Babic has become the latest player to be made a free agent after another disappointing episode in Spain's Premira Liga with Real Zaragoza. Babic was a starter in the Croatian national team that impressed in the 2006 World Cup, but has seen his stock fall astronomically since giving up his place at Bayer Leverkusen for Real Betis.

Babic, however found himself behind Mark Gonzalez and Edu in the pecking order and saw little action. By the time Babic was released two seasons ago he was out of match practice which showed when he turned out for six months with Hertha Berlin.

Rather than stay in Germany, Babic went back to Spain last summer with newly promoted Zaragoza and again found himself out on the bench. Babic this week agreed to terminate his contract and will search for a new club. NK Osijek stated their desire to see him back in Croatia. However it would seem Babic could gain interest from Turkey, Austria or Greece. Babic, has however recently opened a football school in his hometown Osijek and may listen to any offer.

CROATIA IN NEED OF FRESH FACES

2010-09-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

After Slaven Bilic's Croatia failed to knock over another middle ranked obstacle in Greece in midweek, it would appear the majority of the current selection would need a helping hand.

With Drago Gabric, Nikola Pokrivac and Mario Mandzukic far from lighting it up at club and international level, it would appear Bilic could yet strengthen his side further.

In attack the Croatian media were critical of the decision to drop Mate Bilic, in spite of the striker netting 3 goals in his 4 games he played including a strike in a 1-0 victory over a Austria side who Mandzukic, Modric and Petric were struggling to put away.

Without Mate Bilic, Croatia went the same way they were going without his intevention against Austria. The Sporting Gijon forward clearly deserved to continue in the squad. Add to this Srdjan Lakic, who has been one of the best players at the beginning of the Bundesliga season scoring 3 times in just two games. Lakic has enjoyed three strong seasons on the trot now with first Heracles and then with Kaiserslautern which resulted in their reappearence in the top flight. Whilst Lakic was helping the sleeping giant and former German Champions gain promotion, he was ignored. However he deserves his chance should his form continue. Lakic and Bilic offer variation to Croatia's current forward line who in comparison on smaller technical forwards who are arguably more deep lying attacker. Since the retirement of Dado Prso and ill health of Tomislav Maric, Croatia has not been as successful with turning ariel crosses into goals. This is another advantage Lakic and Bilic can bring to the side.

Another player with a lot to offer Croatia, is their Under 21 player Ivan Perisic. Perisic has definitely come of age at Club Brugge and would seem to be a waste of a player down in the Under 21's when he could be helping the A side. Unlike Modric, Perisic finds goals from midfield a lot easier to come by and there is certainly vacancies in the squad ahead of Pokrivac and Gabric. Pokrivac has been poor in the national team since his disappointing display against England. Gabric, has been better, but Croatia seem to already have a lot of players in his style. Perisic is a completely different midfielder which Croatia need.

For now Lakic, Bilic and Perisic would certainly add something to Croatia's squad in place of Gabric, Pokrivac and Mandzukic. Ivan Klasnic was another player missing for the recent international fixtures. The 30 year old is still a excellant finisher, however he still has a little to prove with his fitness as missed the third Premiership match and lasted just 45 minutes when he finally giving his first outing.

Mato Jajalo would also have something to offer the Croatian National Team as Croatia are lacking in central midfielders. Jerko Leko could also do a job if anyone drops out injured. Jajalo however still needs to arrive in the Bundesliga. Koln have made a poor start to the season and Jajalo will need to do a little more. Ivo Ilicevic will also need to keep up his good work playing alongside Lakic at Kaiserslautern. His way into the squad may come a little harder as Croatia have similar players such as Modric, Pranjic, Rakitic and Kranjcar. However Ivo will certainly be able to step in if required.

Dejan Lovren and Domagoj Vida are two players who could strengthen Croatia in the backline in the future. Lovren arguably deserves a call ahead of Jurica Buljat. Luka Vucko, Tomislav Mikulic and Andre Mijatovic have also been doing well at club level in the last two seasons. The one contreversial selection available to Croatia, is Brazilian Sammir. The extremely gifted playmaker however arguably has met the requirements of national team selection which was good enough to gain access to Mario Mandzukic. Sammir has not only been scoring goals, but almost running the whole attacking segment of Dinamo Zagreb team.

The remaining player who has a good case for a shot in the national team is Nikola Kalinic. The Blackburn Rovers forward has the ability to sniff out a goal and competes hard with central defenders. Kalinic, must just keep doing what's doing for now and hope a vacancy opens for him. However Kalinic certainly has a case to start some friendlies to prove he can be of use.

PAVLICIC BACK AT OSIJEK

2010-09-05T00:10:00.001-07:00

NK Osijek have brought Milan Pavlicic back to the club after concerns over the teams performance in attack. The experienced forward will give competition to Ivan Milicevic, Josip Barisic, Vedran Nikisic and Anton Maglica.

Cibalia have also been tinkering with their squad, allowing Marin Vidosevic to sign up with HNL2 Imotski with Frane Vitaic taking his place. The deals signifies the financial limitations in HNL1 clubs. Thus far impact free agents such as Srebrenko Posavec, Miroslav Saric and Ivan Bosnjak have been left on the shelf perhaps due to wage demands.

Karlovac, however are still pursueing the signature of striker Karlo Primorac. Having signed Mario Ticinovic on loan and raised 200,000 Euro in transfer money, Igor Pamic could be more likely to engage Posavec or Saric. Due to smaller wages striker Mario Juric could become the next targets for clubs wanting enhancement. Dario Bodrusic has found a new engagement with second division Rudes.

Hrvatski Dragovoljac have signed former Croatia international defender Dario Smoje. The 31 year old will begin work with fitness trainers at the club having missed over a year of football since leaving Gent for Pananios. 34 year old striker Alen Mesanovic and 33 year old playmaker Darko Cordas also arrive.

KARLOVAC TRACK PRIMORAC

2010-09-02T11:08:00.000-07:00

NK Karlovac coach Igor Pamic is still attempting to secure the services of a striker despite the end of the transfer window for contracted players. Pamic has turned his attention to Karlo Primorac, who is currently a free agent after being released by Dinamo Zagreb in the summer. Pamic is confident he can bring the best out of Primorac who was highly rated as a youngster at Osijek.

Pamic also needs a right sided player to cover the loss of Mario Baric, who signed for Ghent. One player who could be on his list to replace him could be Srebrenko Posavec. The 30 year old certainly has enough experience and class to help Karlovac. Pamic appears confident he can find quality in the free agent market. Other noteworthy free agents include Ivan Bosnjak, Gordan Golik, Marko Maric and Miroslav Saric. Karlovac could have competition for Posavec from Cibalia who also desire a creative midfielder, though they are close to completing the signing of Frane Vitaic who was lately released by Split.

In HNL2 Medimurje resigned Marijan Vuka to lead their attack. Milan Pavlicic could also soon be on the radar of a HNL2 club. Tomislav Zivko meanwhile has signed for third division Zelina after being released by Inter Zapresic. Zivko has been replaced by Mario Grgurovic which may suggest Zapresic regret his parting.

NK Zagreb have returned Jethron to the first team after suspending him for a game. Ivo Susak has given his playing staff every chance to impress him and has rarely entered the transfer market. Osijek have brought back former player Milan Pavlicic who add some competition to their attack.

DRPIC WAITS ON TRANSFER

2010-09-02T03:24:00.000-07:00

Croatian international Dino Drpic is the only high profile Croatian player who can still transfer after the deadline which has now passed. Drpic, 29 enjoys free agent status, but is deciding partly where to park his celebrity wife Nives. Drpic's schenanigans at Dinamo Zagreb seem to have scuppered any deal being made in Turkey where he had various interest. Overtures from Sporting Lisbon was only tentative, whilst Sporting Gijon and Olympiakos were also mentioned.

Drpic will need to decide soon as he does enjoy a good relationship with national team coach Slaven Bilic and there still remains a central defensive slot open for grabs. Hajduk's Jurica Buljat is yet to convince, whilst Dario Knezevic chose to stay in the Italian second division with Livorno till the next transfer window in the winter. Drpic seems to be suffering due to life choices. Dinamo are disinterested in taking him back, whilst his form at Karlsruhre last season has not gained him any offers from the Bundesliga. The Belgian league could be a suitable home or the French Ligue 1.

DRAGOVOLJAC TOO SLOW

2010-09-02T01:49:00.000-07:00

Hrvatski Dragovoljac appeared to go missing during the transfer window despite their position in the relegation zone of HNL1. It could be that Davor Mladina's men have conceded that it is too soon for life in Croatia's top flight and are not interested in sacrificing the clubs long term future.

Thus far Dragovoljac have looked to youngster Velimir Svaric, Nikola Kovacevic and Nikola Frzjulec to aid there striking issues. Mladina however was calling for experience, but it appears Dragovoljac don't have the wage structure to take in influential players. The club has to sign from the free agent market so could still recruit.

One experienced attacker may aid them. Such a player as Mario Juric, formerly of Slaven Belupo could have something to offer them. Juric is at the back end of his career and is more likely to consider a small wage. Its likely such players as Miroslav Saric, Marko Maric and Mario Grgurovic can obtain better offers. However Gordan Golik needs a employer as there is no room in Varazdin and would do a good job as a enforcer in midfield.

STILL IN THE BAG 2

2010-09-02T01:22:00.000-07:00

MARIN SKENDER
Formerly a Croatian international, Marin Skender has found gaining a new club difficult since leaving NK Osijek last summer. The 30 year old had a breif spell with NK Zagreb, however he was released at the end of last season after losing his spot in the team.

RONALD SIKLIC

Left Back Ronald Siklic was released by Slavia Prague two months ago and is now a free agent. Siklic has a wealth of experience playing in Ukraine, Czech Republic and Poland. However his most successful spell has been at Slaven Belupo which earned his move to Slavia Prague. A HNL1 club may be interested to therefore look at the player. It would also not be a surprise for Siklic to joy his brother Bruno in the Far East.

MARIO GRGUROVIC

25 year old former Croatia Under 21 international Mario Grgurovic has found himself in obscurity only six months after being in decent form for Inter Zapresic. Circumstances however led him to leave the club and he has not suceded in finding a better engagement. Grgurovic should focus his attention on getting out on the field and playing again with Zadar, Dragovoljac, Sibenik, Cibalia and Istra all suitable fits for him.
UPDATE: Grgurovic returns back to Inter Zapresic.

DARIO BODRUSIC

Centre back Dario Bodrusic is another player like Grgurovic who was enjoying a decent season in the last 12 months only to find himself with an employer. Bodrusic, played 20 times for Istra Pula last season and has also enjoy spells at Rijeka, Slaven Belupo and Dinamo Tirana. It would seem only a matter of time before Bodrusic finds a new club with any number of sides fit to have him in their backline
UPDATE: Bodrusic signs with Croatian second division side Rudes.

MARIO JURIC
33 year old Mario Juric has been linked regularly with Sibenik at the start of the season. However after a flurry of arrivals Juric's name eventually did not appear on the roster, so he remains a free agent. After a fairly successful spell at Slaven Belupo, it isn't known whether Juric is still keen for top flight football or would consider dropping down to HNL2 to help a team gain promotion. Juric has plenty of Europa Liga experience and has also player in the Russian Premier League.

MARIJAN VUKA

Marijan Vuka is one of few Croatia free agents left who can boast fairly decent goalscoring records. Vuka is currently training with his first club Osijek, for whom he scored 13 goals prior to a move to Marsonia. Most recently Vuka has been playing with Medimurje and was one of their better player prior to the clubs relegation scoring 26 goals in 46 matches. He has also scored goals in Russia with Kuban Krasnador. Although Osijek allowed Vuka and Karlo Primorac to train at the Gradski Vrt they are currently given a chance to their young strikeforce, so do not wish to recruit them. Vuka may turn out a positive venture however for a HNL2 club seeking promotion or for Hrvatski Dragovoljac, who require experienced forwards.
UPDATE: Vuka returns to Medmiurje after failing to secure a HNL1 transfer.

ZAPRESIC LEFT OUT IN THE COLD

2010-08-31T23:52:00.000-07:00

After transfer deadline passed the situation still seems far from comfortable for Inter Zapresic, who appear to have recieved the cold shoulder from Dinamo Zagreb. Zapresic will have to hope Matija Matko makes an impression and that Arber Abilijaj can find any kind of form, as Dinamo were disinterested in loaning their out of favor striker Dodo back to Zapresic. Ilija Sivonjic was also sent to Lokomotiva.

Matej Delac's transfer from Zapresic to Chelsea might be behind the freezing of relations. Zapresic appeared to wish to go their own way, but their changes have been disastrous. Out went two of their stars Miroslav Saric and Mario Grgurovic on free transfers with pale replacements like Tomislav Zivko taking their place. Defensively Sasa Balic and Nenad Nikolic have not worked out, whilst Gamarra was in and out the club in months and the forementioned Abilijaj also has flopped so far.

Saric and Grgruovic will now make positive reinforcements for one of Zapresic's competitors. It is thought Cibalia only need one more creative forward to get back to the form of last season. Mladen Bartolovic was a sound signing. However the team are lacking a player who can get on the ball are make things happen. Saric and Grgurovic will certainly make attractive signings. However ex Slaven Belupo playmaker Srebrenko Posavec could also be highly effective.

NK Zagreb could also be searching out a central midfield player after becoming disillusioned with Brazilian Jethron. Marko Maric, formerly of Lille and Skoda Xanthi may interest them as they attempt to stay in the top half of the table. Karlovac also still look one striker short of being a decent side. Edin Husic and Mario Ticinovic are decent signings, but they lack a number 9. Karlo Primorac has been linked with the club in recent weeks and Andrej Kramaric could also have been a noteworthy loan signing. Dinamo have six strikers on their books now and are only playing one up front. For some reason, Dinamo didn't manage to loan out Dodo or Andrej Kramaric before the deadline.

Sibenik may have made a major gain in signing Cibalia's Zjelko Malcic. Malcic and the clubs other recent signing Niko Tokic are under pressure to find goals quickly, although Antonio Jakolis and Ivan Bozic should also contribute from the bench. Sibenik, like Zapresic look set for a long slog this season.

Zadar who appear to be ticking along nicely and have goals in Ivan Santini, Zelimir Terkes, Antonio Mrsic and Ivan Curjuric also added former player Dragan Zupan to their roster. Toni Pezo is also starting to make his presence felt in midfield. Tomislav Glumac has also been doing well in the backline. The club were linked with Dario Bodrusic who would be a good addition if they can sign him up.

Istra Pula also make some good additions. Brazilian Eliomar should provide a good link between midfield and attack. Sinisa Linic will also do a good job as a midfield reinforcer. Istra, however will need Asim Sehic to find his form and for Bosko Stupic and Edin Hadzic to start chipping in. Istra are also needing a lot from Armend Alimi, who is carrying a lot of weight on his shoulders.

Rijeka were in discussions with Ante Tomic, however Damir Krielach, Antonio Rukavina and Davor Landeka have been doing well in central midfield so far so they chose not to go ahead with the signing. Tomic ultimately signed with Slovenia's Luka Koper. Rijeka also had interest in their Montenegro international striker Radomir Dalovic. However they considered 500,000 Euro's a poultry sum in comparison to his worth to the team. Having sold the Pamic brothers in the summer, Rijeka have enough finance to last till the winter when Dalovic's value should have increased. Rijeka were also not able to make a quick deal so may be better preparing a replacement in four months time, most likely Ahmad Sharbini who is out of favor at Hajduk. There are however not enough free agents around the place for Rijeka to consider selling Dalovic. Ivan Bosnjak is the most proven Croat striker in free agent status, but his conditioning is not known. Rijeka did strengthen the defence bring Duje Bakovic, back to the club has may have developed during his time in Greece with Kavala and Egaeleo.

NK Varazdin surprisingly did not managed to obtain a sale. The club will be all hands on deck as they try to sale through financially difficult times. Roberto Puncec and Josip Brezovec have been on excellant form, however Dinamo Zagreb is the only Croatian team with money to spend and had their mind focused on buying abroad. Both may attract offers in the winter, but in the meantime Varazdin can look forward to a good season if their current crop of youngsters keep up their impressive work. Gordan Golik is believed to be on standby should Brezovec have moved abroad.

RNK Split saw no reason to make changes as are happy with their start to the season. Ivan Katilinac seems to have worked out that the way the survival in the Croatian league is by shaking the opponents net as regular as possible so invested in four strong strikers. Romano Oblinovic and Bojan Golubovic have been a revelation. Zvonimir Deranja also offers sounds support, whilst Saed Bucan is one of the signings of the summer so far.

Hrvatski Dragovoljac may have reasons to feel concerned. Davor Mladina has not been able to attract new players into the club and many free agents do not fit into their financial structure. Such players as Golik, Milan Pavlivic, Ronald Siklic and Mario Juric could prove handy. Posavec, Saric and Grgurovic are also available, but Dragovoljac appear disinterested in chasing their own tail like Medimurje did when falling into a financial mess last season.

Hajduk Split are expected to continue in the same way until winter which is good news to youngster Dinko Trebotic, Andriasejvic, Ante Vukusic and Duje Cop. Their is a large portion of Hajduk's squad who are satisfied with their status in the club and this is showing out on the pitch. The only two disattisfied is Ahmad Sharbini and Kreso Ljubicic, however this is expected to be settled in the winter with Ahmad likely to return to Rijeka.

Dinamo Zagreb meanwhile will be desperate to see how their new recruits perform out on the pitch. Fatos Beciraj is expected to lead the line, allowing Ante Rukavina to drop deeper. Pedro Morales will have to fight for his place alongside Etto and Ivan Tomecak. Jakub Sylvestr will start on the bench and have to work his way in. It is hard to see how Dodo and Andrej Kramaric have any chance of gaining first team action. Both players were needed at Zapresic and Karlovac, but Dinamo did not make the deal. Part of the reason for this is that Sylvestr is cup tied, whilst Miroslav Slepicka is laid low with illness and could also be heading out the exit door. This could therefore bring Kramaric or Mario Situm back into play.

UNRESOLVED

2010-08-31T15:27:00.001-07:00

Transfer deadline passed with a number of players failing to secure moves to new clubs. Some news of deals may be known in the next 24 hours. However Darko Bodul is under threat of being left in Ajax Reserves as he was unable to secure his loan deal with Willem II.

Dino Drpic, meanwhile also will play a waiting game as no deal was made this week. Fortunately for the 28 year old defender his free agent status will work in his benefit and will in fact make him a more lucrative option to teams who can no longer purchase a contracted defender from another club. As long as Drpic remains off the pitch however he has no chance of playing with the Croatian national team.

At Hajduk Split, Galatasaray finally pulled out of their hunt for Senjad Ibricic after signing his fellow countryman Zjezdan Misimovic from Wolfsburg. Ahmad Sharbini will be increasingly uncomfortable with his status as Colombian forward Phil Jackson arrived. Similarly Kreso Ljubicic is out of the picture with Erwin Bulku, Srdjan Andric, Franko Andriasejvic, Dinko Trebotic, Marin Ljubijic and Mario Brkljaca leaving him no opportunity of getting into Hajduk's midfield.

One of the late transfers may involve another loan deal from Dinamo. Lokomotiva Zagreb may now be overcapacitated in attack, so only Karlovac can realistically take Andrej Kramaric on loan. Inter Zapresic meanwhile shelved interest in Luis Hilario Dodo after good form from Aleksandr Trajkovski during international break.

There is no news whatsoever surrounding defender Goran Sablic, who at 30 could be taking a break from the game due to injury problems. The same situation seems to fit Ivan Bosnjak, who has also experienced issues with injuries.

SIVONJIC THE MAJOR MOVER

2010-08-31T09:49:00.000-07:00

In a relative quiet transfer window in HNL1, Ilija Sivonjic was the major deadline day deal going out on loan to Lokomotiva from Dinamo Zagreb. Although Sivonjic has links to Zapresic, Lokomotiva stepped in to take the striker which may be to his benefit as is low on confidence as a mid table side help him better than a relegation dogfight. Sivonjic was allowed to leave Dinamo after the club signed Montenegro striker Fatos Beciraj and Slovakia's Jakub Sylvestr. Sporting Lisbon defender Tonei also came to strengthen the defence.

Hajduk Split, meanwhile rejected high bids for Senijad Ibricic from Galatasaray and signed up Colombian forward Phil Jackson as striking cover. The deal does not help the situation of Ahmad Sharbini, who already sees little action. Kreso Ljubicic is also in limbo and did not gain a transfer before the deadline. Inter Zapresic may be disappointed as to why they were not thrown their usual loanee from Dinamo Zagreb. Zapresic instead turned to free agent Matija Matko, as Sivonjic was given to Lokomotiva. Dodo would have still suited Zapresic who have to hope that Arber Abilijaj can find some form.

Strikers were also hard to find for Sibenik, who signed up Cibalia's wantaway forward Zjelko Malcic. The 28 year old does have some goalscoring history and should be able to help them. Istra, meanwhile allowed Dragan Zupan to rejoin former club NK Zadar and instead signed up Brazilian Eliomar Dos Santos. The tricky Brazilian could prove a sound purchase that could inspire ailing forward Emir Hadzic, Bosko Stupic and Armend Alimi to find their form.

In Slovenia, former Lokeron striker Tomo Sokota and ex Dinamo teammate Ante Tomic is now officially off the radar of HNL1 clubs. Sokota has signed up with Olympija Ljubljana, whilst Tomic chose Slovenian Champions Luka Koper over HNK Rijeka. Karlovac, meanwhile have money to spend as sold Mario Baric to Gent and hope to invest in free agent Karlo Primorac.

HNL1 SUMMER TRANSFERS

2010-08-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

DINAMO ZAGREB
In: Arjan Ademi (Sibenik), Leonard Mesaric & Ivan Keleva (Lokomotiva), Almir Bekic (Sloboda), Ante Rukavina (Panathanaikos), Tonei (Sporting Lisbon), Jakub Silvestr (Slovan Bratislava), Fatos Beciraj (Buducnost Podgorica), Marin Skender (Zagreb)
Out: Robert Kovac (Retired), Ivan Turina (AIK Stockholm), Ivica Vrdoljak (Legia Warsaw), Mario Mandzukic (VfL Wolfsburg), Domogoj Antolic, Ilija Sivonjic & Almir Bekic (Lokomotiva), Dario Simic & Tomislav Butina (Retired), Ante Tomic (Luka Koper), Karlo Primorac (Karlovac)
Released: Gullermo Suarez, Sasko Pandev

HAJDUK SPLIT
In: Mario Brkljaca (Cagliari), Erwin Bulku (Krivbass)
Out: Josip Skoko (Melbourne Heart), Goran Rubil (Asteras Tripolis), Ivan Rodic (Rijeka), Mladen Pelaic (Osijek), Miro Varvodic (Koln), Ivo Smoje (Osijek), Vjekoslav Tomic, Ante Seric & Florin Cernat (Karabukspor), Dario Jertec (Al Fasalay), Boris Pandza (KV Mechelen), Toni Pezo (Zadar), Leopold Novak (Dragovoljac), Marko Livaja (Internaziole), Mario Ticinovic (Karlovac), Ivan Lendric (Zrinjski), Ante Aracic (Sibenik), Tedi Surac & Hjorve Tokic (Mosor)

CIBALIA
In: Stjepan Kvesic, Tomislav Culjak (Zadar), Tomislav Bozic (Suhopolje), Mladen Bartolovic (Foolad), Mato Masic, Frane Vitaic (HNK Split)
Out: Edin Husic (Karlovac), Tomislav Pavlivic (Maribor), Davor Bagaric (Slaven Belupo), Josip Lukacevic (Osijek), Josip Milardovic (Slaven Belupo), Davor Burscsa (Pomorac), Mario Antolovic (Legia Warsaw), Enor Puljic (Dilj), Zjelko Malcic (Sibenik)

KARLOVAC
In: Edin Husic (Cibalia), Viktor Spisic (Lok Sofia), Mark Zigman, Toni Golem & Ante Baterelo (Zapresic), Goran Divkovic (Moslavina), Hjorve Sunjerga (Dragovoljac), Goran Juros (Sesvete), Marko Spelic (Slunj), Mario Ticinovic (Karlovac), Igor Lovric (Istra 1961), Kenan Cejvanovic (Rijeka), Karlo Primorac (Osijek), Marijan Budimir (Zapresic)
Out: Nevan Vukman (Rijeka), Boris Bjelankovic (Celje), Mahir Iftic, Mauro Makita (Rovinj), Ivan Grabovac (Akshayik Yansk), Goran Bunoza (Wislaw Krakow), Duce V-Grgic (Imotski), Niko Tokic (Sibenik), Mario Baric (Gent)

OSIJEK
In: Ivo Smoje & Mladen Pelaic (Hajduk), Josip Lukacevic (Cibalia), Hjorve Bubalo (Medimurje), Igor Prijic (Pomorac), Zvonimir Mikulic (Olympik Osijek), Zoran Zvrsic (HASK), Milan Pavlicic
Out: Domogoj Vida (Bayer Leverkusen), Antonio Hrncevic & Goran Todorevic (Zapresic), Mario Dikic, Zvonimir Mikulic & Sasa Novakovic (Vukovar 91)

RIJEKA
In: Ivan Rodic (Hajduk), Kristjan Caval (Slaven Belupo), Radomir Dalovic (Rapid Bucarest), Marko Simanovic & Diego Vivulic (Orient), Robert Lisjak & Andro Vrluguja (Istra 1961), Nevan Vukman (Karlovac), Antonio Rukavina (Kastrioti), Tomislav Pelin (Slaven Belupo), Drazen Plcic (Grobnican), Duje Bakovic (Egaeleo)
Out: Zvonko Pamic (Bayer Leverkusen), Ramon Fernandez (Estudiantes), Tarik Ceric (Sibenik), Matija Matko (Zapresic), Vlad Lazarevski (Lokomotiv Astana), Vedran Turkalj (Pomorac), Alen Pamic (Standard Liege), Ivan Mance (Maccabi Petach Tikvah), Diego Vivulic (Pomorac), Velimir Radman (Panasekeros), Dominik Mohorovic (Sesvete), Mario Tadajevic (Pomorac), Adnan Hodzic (Crikvenica), Kenan Cejvanovic (Karlovac), Mislav Karoglan (Imotski), Matej Sucurovic (Ikok), Marin Datkovic (Novaljia)

ZAPRESIC
In: Aleksander Trajkovski (Skopje), Alilabaj Arber (Tirana), Goran Todorcev & Antonio Hrncevic (Osijek), Adrian Valentic (Medimurje), Ivan Herceg (Lokomotiva), Ibrahim N'Doye (Jarraff), Stjepan Babic (Zagreb), Matija Matko (Rijeka)
Out: Ilija Sivonjic & Guillermo Suarez (Dinamo), Matej Delac (Chelsea), Marijan Budimir, Ante Baratelo & Toni Golem (Karlovac), Mark Zigman (Vrapce), Emmanuel Gamarra, Tomislav Ceraj (Retired), Silvio Cavric (KF Laksi), Tomislav Labdurovic (Slaven Belupo), Mario Rasic, Luka Kundjunzia (Pomorac), Miroslav Saric, Tomislav Zivko (Zelina), Hjorve Jurina (Sesvete)

VARTEKS
In: Fehar Dudic (Travnik), Mario Sacer (Hajduk), Adnan Aganovic (Medimurje), Matija Katanec (HIT Gorica), Davor Vugrinec (Zagreb), Nikola Safaric (Belupo)
Out: Matija Smrekar (Sedan), Luka Jagajic (Pomorac), Nikola Frljuzec (Dragovoljac), Milenko Mumlek, Zoran Ivancic, Andrija Balajic, Luka Besenic (Medimurje), Ivan Jolic (Skenderbeu)

SIBENIK
In: Tarik Ceric (Rijeka), Ivan Juric (Iskra), Drazen Govic (Brantford Galaxy), Daniel Georgievski and Amauri Vicente (Medimurje), Marko Kartelo (Zagreb), Ante Aracic (Hajduk), Niko Tokic (Karlovac), Luka Gusic (Duhopolje), Zjelko Malcic (Cibalia)
Out: Arjan Ademi (Dinamo), Ermin Zec (Genclerbirigli), Velimir Vidic (RNK Split), Adnan Likic (Sesvete), Jusuf Dajic (Sloboda Tuzla), Kresimir Makarin (Solin), Petar Basic, Senid Kulacic, Sandrok Bloudek (OH Leuven)

RNK SPLIT
In: Velimir Vidic & Igor Budisa (Sibenik), Zvonimir Deranja (Mouscron), Saed Bucan & Predrag Simic (Zeljeznicar), Romano Oblinovic & Daniel Rasic (Imotski), Bojan Golubovic (Medimurje), Shpat Qerimi (Noderstedt)
Out: Dalibor Mandaric & Ante Capin (Imotski), Branimir Borozan & Tomislav Miljak (Solin), Ante Puljiz & Stipe Barac (Junak Sinj), Frane Vitaic (Cibalia)

ZADAR
In: Marin Con (Pomorac), Niko Periac & Marko Gospic (Rastane), Toni Pezo (Hajduk), Dragan Zupan (Istra)
Out: Bruno Sikilic (Chongquin Lifan), Davor Piskor (Sesvete), Marko Anic (Primorac), Sime Maruna (Rastane), Tomislav Culjak (Cibalia), Jakov Surac, Ante Mitrovic (Rastane)

SLAVEN BELUPO
In: Davor Bagaric (Cibalia), Tomislav Busic (Maccabi Petach Tikvah), Tomislav Labdurovic (Zapresic), Stjepan Poljak (Eshskirespor), Josip Milardovic (Cibalia), Adis Nurkovic (Travnik)
Out: Mario Juric, Kristjan Caval (Rijeka), Nikola Safaric (Varazdin), Srebrenko Posavec, Tomislav Pelin (Rijeka)

ISTRA PULA 1961
In: Hjorve Kovacevic (Herzliya), Andrej Prskalo (Rijeka), Mateo Susic & Igor Zurzinov (Zrinjski), Leo Plecic (Krk), Emir Hadzic (Panetolikis), Josip Skoric (Zagreb), Sinisa Linic (Bnei Yehuda), Eliomar (Medimurje)
Out: Dario Bodrusic, Dragan Tadic (Novaljia), Andro Vrluguja & Robert Lisjak (Rijeka), Khallilou Traore (Odense), Eldin Masic (Gradacac), Doni Tonkovic (Rovinj), Sevko Okic (Velez Mostar), Igor Lovric (Karlovac), Dragan Zupan (Zadar)

HRVATSKI DRAGOVOLJAC
In: Ivan Covic (Zapresic), Nikola Frljuzec (Varteks), Hjorve Lerga (Stupnik), Filip Jazvic (Moslavina), Plumb Jusufi (Kastriote), Hjorve Markovic (Medimurje), Leopold Novak (Hajduk), Dario Smoje (Pananios), Darko Cordas, Alen Mesanovic (Zeljeznicar)
Out: Ksevan Santini (Inter Zapresic), Jhonnes (Liepajas)

NK ZAGREB
In: Goran Basic (Lucko), Hjorve Visic (Solin), Xhevahir Sukaj (Orduspor), Dens Maia James (Slavia Prague)
Out: Marin Skender (Dinamo), Josip Skoric (Istra Pula 1961), Goran Ljubojevic (AIK Stockholm), Marko Kartelo (Sibenik), Marin Vidosevic (Imotski), Davor Vugrinec (Varazdin), Stjepan Babic (Zapresic)

LOKOMOTIVA
In: Mislav Komorski, Almir Bekic & Frano Mlinar (Dinamo), Elvis Saric (Lucko), Marko Trojak (Drava), Marin Spoljaric (Lucko), Domagoj Antolic & Ilija Sivonjic (Dinamo), Ivan Sesar (Koper)
Out: Ivan Herceg (Zapresic), Dalibor Pandza & Petar Franjic (Radnik Sesvete), Matej Delic (Lucko), Ivan Lovric (Sesvete), Josip Gegic (Gorica), Tomislav Puljic (Luzern), Krunoslav Hendrija (ZET), Filip Screbec (Rudes), Gheorghe Andronic (Gorica), Ivan Keleva (Dinamo)

SERTIC GOES TO LENS

2010-08-29T00:12:00.000-07:00

Bordeaux have sent French born Croat Gregory Sertic on loan for the season to Ligue 1 side Lens. The 20 year old midfielder who is eligible for Croatia and France had a season curtailed by injury last season and is in need of regular football.

Stipe Pletikosa meanwhile has finally joined Tottenham Hotspur from Spartak Moscow. However the situation is far from simple for Pletikosa as Aurelio Gomes is a secure first choice, whilst Carlo Cuducini has returned to full fitness after a motor cycle accident.

Elsewhere Tomislav Sokota signed with Slovenian club Olympija Ljubljana after a move to OA Kavala fell through. Karlovac meanwhile made a sale with Mario Baric joining Gent for compensation in the region of 300,000 Euro's. Igor Budan signed with Italian Serie A new comers Cesana from Palermo. VfB Stuggart and Liverpool attempted to purchase HSV's Mladen Petric. However bids were rejected.

Drago Gabric has complete a surprise move from Trabzonspor to Ankaragucu. The Croatian international was under threat for his national team place from Kaiserslautern's Ivo Ilicevic and Club Brugge Ivan Perisic so has signed on loan to secure first team status. Domagoj Abramovic, mwanwhile lasted barely a month at OFI Crete and has signed instead for Pierikos Katerini of the Greek second division.

HNL1 ROUND 6

2010-08-28T23:26:00.000-07:00

ZAPRESIC 5 LOKOMOTIVA 0 (Hrncevic, Orsic, Bosec, Palic 2)
RIJEKA 2 SLAVEN BELUPO 1 (Strok, Kreilach/ Delic)
ZADAR 2 ZAGREB 1 (Sare/ Sukaj)
VARAZDIN 1 KARLOVAC 0 (Brezovec)
SIBENIK 2 ISTRA 2 (Grgic, Alispahic/ Andjelkovic, Pauletic)
OSIJEK 1 DRAGOVOLJAC 1 (Barisic/ Svaric)
SPLIT 1 HAJDUK 1 (Golubovic/ Vukusic)
DINAMO 2 CIBALIA 0 (Vrsaljko, Tomecak)

Dinamo are back in the top three and just a point behind Hajduk Split after defeating Cibalia 2-0. Sime Vrsaljko, who is covering at left back and the returning Ivan Tomecak scored the goals. Dinamo restored Pedro Morales to the side and also gave a run out to Ilija Sivonjic. Etto continues to function in a attacking role. Luis Ibanez and Adrian Callelo has dropped to the bench. Dinamo will soon have to make a decision on front men Sivonjic and Dodo, following the arrival of Jakub Silvestr from Slovan Bratislava.

Rijeka remain unbeaten after six games after defeating Slaven Belupo 2-1. In form duo Hjorve Strok and Damir Kreilach collected there goals, with young prospect Mateas Delic netting for Belupo. Zagreb meanwhile had their first loss, as they went down 2-1 to Zadar. Zadar under the guidance of Dalibor Zebic remain a steady HNL1 club. Albanian Xhevahir Sukaj scored his first goal for Zagreb.

Varazdin have moved upto 5th place after a excellant 1-0 win over Karlovac. Varazdin were expected to be highly beleaguered this season. However the club have been inspired by former players Davor Vugrinec and now Nikola Safaric returning to their aid and have fallen upon on a good crop of young players. Goalscorer Josip Brezovec is the picked of the bunch at present and could even transfer abroad before the transfer deadline this week.

Down near the bottom of the table Istra Pula and Inter Zapresic are finally showing signs of life. Zapresic took advantage of 3 red cards for Lokomotiva to record a 5-0 victory. Croatia Under 21 international Antun Palic scored twice. Istra Pula meanwhile have finally laid their hands on new signings and recorded a 2-2 draw with Sibenik, who gave a debut to Niko Tokic. Istra announced the signing of former Hajduk midfielder Sinisa Linic and also intend to recruit Medimurje Brazilian playmaker Eliomar at the start of the week. Dragovoljac also recorded a point drawing 1-1 with out of form Osijek who this week announced Robert Spehar as their new president.

TRANSFER ACTIVITY
Zapresic and Istra are expected to be engaged in transfer activity at the start of the week. Zapresic may be recieving Dinamo's Ilija Sivonjic or Dodo if Dinamo are successful in the purchase of Lokomotive Moscow forward Fall or Ergotelis's Mario Budimir. Both players are likely to cost over 1.5m Euro's to sign. Budimir and Fall however have a first team place at his club and may gain better moves by staying another season in Russia and Greece respectively.

Rijeka and Hajduk will focus on keeping their sides togethers rather than selling, though Hajduk's Kresimir Ljubicic may be made available for loan. Galatasaray are likely to place a bid for Senijad Ibricic for around 10m Euro's, if Schalke beat them to the signing of countryman Zvejezdan Misimovic. Fortunately for Hajduk reports suggest the Turkish club are close to signing Misimovic. Rijeka are attempting to stave off interest from Amkar Perm and Sheffield Wednesday in their Montenegrin international striker Radomir Dalovic.

TOO HOT TO KEEP

2010-08-27T01:47:00.000-07:00

Montenegrin international Radomir Dalovic is the main subject of transfer activity in Croatia, with days left till the deadline. The 27 year old has an impressive record at Rijeka and is seen as essential to the teams ambitions of a top 3 finish this year. Playing off Dalovic has also revived Ivan Rodic, but Rijeka are not eager to rely purely on Rodic alone.

Dalovic is recognised by many as the best striker in HNL1 at the moment. 500,000 Euro's from Amkar Perm was not enough to bring Dalovic. Although the Russian league is a suitable home for Dalovic, Rijeka rate the player nearer the 1m Euro mark which is acceptable for a scorer of goals at international level.

Rijeka will also not have much time to react to purchase a new striker should they wish to buy from another club. Ahmad Sharbini for example, would be a realistic quick fire venture. If they do sell they'd have to look for free agents so Tomislav Sokota and Ivan Bosnjak could come high on the agenda. It would also allow them to tie up a deal for ex player Sinisa Linic. It will be interesting to see what approach Rijeka take. Most likely the club will wait till the winter transfer window.

CROATIA: TRANSFER DEADLINE SUMMARY

2010-08-27T01:01:00.000-07:00

With just days left till the summer transfer window closes across Europe, there is likely to be few Croatians on the move. As Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split qualified for the Europa Liga group stage there is unlikely to be any major departures. Any deals taking place are set to centre around young Croats seeking loans.

The most high profile is Mario Gavranovic. The 20 year old Switzerland Under 21 international is in need of first team football to aid his progress. He is currently turning out for Schalke's second team and is behind Raul, Jefferson Farfan and Edu for a striking position. Gavranovic could move out on loan to another Bundesliga club.

Darko Bodul, of Ajax is also available for loan. No clubs have been mentioned so far, but Martin Jol will be eager to see the 20 year old move away as soon as possible to avoid stagnation. Dario Knezevic is only experienced Croatian international likely to go, although he is being used by Livorno in the meantime. Knezevic has offers from Bari, Cesana and Olympiakos.

Dino Drpic, Ivan Bosnjak and Goran Sablic are all still without a club, but they are able to transfer after the deadline. There is no news on Bosnjak or Sablic, however Drpic has interest from Sporting Gijon and Olympiakos, whilst Sokota's deal with OA Kavala appears to have fallen through. The player was seen visiting Olympic Ljubjlana which has led to speculation in Slovenia.

In Croatia, Varazdin are happy to consider a transfer for their star midfielder Josip Brezovec. Rijeka meanwhile rejected a switch from Russian club Amkar Perm for Radomir Dalovic who is also wanted by an unnamed English club. Dalovic, who is arguably playing below his level would suit a switch to Russia. The English Premier League side could be Blackpool who would be a suitable fit for Dalovic. Rijeka however are believed to want 1m Euro's for the Montenegrin international. Should Dalovic transfer then Sokota and Bosnjak could be high on their wanted list. Rijeka are in talks with Ante Tomic and expect to sign him this week along with defender Duje Bakovic.

Domestic transfers are unlikely to stop in the Croatian league on the deadline as most HNL1 clubs purchase free agents. Miroslav Saric, Srebrenko Posavec, Marko Maric and Gordan Golik will therefore be hot property from next week. Dinamo will however have to make a decision on any unwanted players such as Dodo who is wanted by Inter Zapresic. Zapresic keeper Matej Delac has also now left the club to go to Chelsea and has been loaned out to Vitesse Arnhem.

Cibalia, Karlovac, Istra Pula and Sibenik have stated their intent to bring in a player in the next week. Karlovac are rumoured to be keen on striker Karlo Primorac. Sibenik will sign 28 year old forward Drazen Jelic. Istra Pula recruited Sinisa Linic and Brazilian Eliomar having had a loan request for Mathias Chago rejected. Cibalia meanwhile have unexpected issues of player insubordination, with Zjelko Malcic and Vlatko Simunac resultantly being dropped. Simunac is suspended, whilst Malcic has been sold to Sibenik. Stanko Mrsic is happy with Dino Kresinger, Mladen Bartolovic and Ivica Baraban. Srebrenko Posavec and Miroslav Saric could become a target however as Mrsic wants a playmaker. In HNL2 Davor Piskor and Mario Juric are set to sign for Croatia Sesvete.

HNL1 ROUND 5

2010-08-20T12:50:00.000-07:00

NK ZAGREB 2 ZAPRESIC 1 (Kristanovic 2/ Babic)
VARAZDIN 2 DRAGOVOLJAC 0 (Golubar, Dudic)
ISTRA 1 OSIJEK 2 (Alimi/ Pusic, Kvrzic)
LOKOMOTIVA 0 SIBENIK 0
CIBALIA 0 SPLIT 1 (Sedarusic)
KARLOVAC 0 RIJEKA 1 (Svrljuga)
HAJDUK 4 ZADAR 1 (Tomasov, Ibricic, Vukusic 2/ Pezo)
BEKUPO 0 DINAMO 2 (Rukavina, Sammir)

Hajduk Split stay top of the Croatian league after a thumping 4-1 win over Zadar. Ante Vukusic continued his scoring sequence netting twice. Dinamo also claimed a good victory beating Slaven Belupo 2-0. Ante Rukavina scored his sixth goal for his new club.

NK Rijeka kept up their good start by defeating Karlovac 1-0 thanks to in form Andro Svrljuga's strike. Split have also took to life well in HNL1. Split defeated Cibalia away from home thanks to Josip Sedarusic's goal. Varazdin also are showing promise and comfortably defeated Dragovoljac 2-0 with Golubar and Dudic netting.

NK Zagreb got back to winning ways with a 2-1 victory of Inter Zapresic. Zapresic are on horrific form under Ilija Loncarevic. Former Zagreb player Stjepan Babic scored first for Zapresic, but HNL1 leading scorer Ivan Kristanovic netted twice to turn the match around.

Sibenik are still struggling in front of goal drawing nil nil with a difficult Lokomotiva side. Osijek however finally have lift off under new coach Branko Karacic as they defeated Istra Pula.

DINAMO AND HAJDUK SET FOR EUROPA LIGA

2010-08-20T05:07:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split have given domestic Croatian league football a boost by comfortably winning their final first leg Europa Liga qualifying games. Hajduk Split were outstanding in a 4-1 win over Unirea, whilst Ante Rukavina netted twice to help Dinamo defeat Gyor 2-0 away from home.

Hajduk and coach Stanko Poklepovic can be particularly pleased with their work this summer and during the season so far. Hajduk halved a squad of 30 plus players in June and have since injected youthful promise of players such as Ante Rezic, Ante Vukusic, Franko Andriasejvic, Dinko Trebotic and Duje Cop. Mario Brkljaca has also come good for Hajduk in recent weeks after two seasons spent in obscurity. Senijad Ibricic remains the teams star and is unlikely to move anywhere whilst Hajduk stay in Europa Liga competition. Although as a special player a extraordinary bid and opportunity to get to a big team won't be declined. Hajduk's recruitment of midfielder Erwin Bulku seems excessive, so Hajduk fans will hope Srdjan Andric is not pushed forward to fill Ibricic's role if the Bosnian international is suddenly sold on transfer deadline.

Dinamo meanwhile are still lacking in attacking despite the strong form of Ante Rukavina and the return of Pedro Morales. Cover is still threadbear however with Miroslav Slepicka, Ilija Sivonjic and Dodo floundering to impress. Inter Zapresic are crying out for a striker like Sivonjic or Dodo to return having suffered since they departed. Dinamo meanwhile could be becoming interested by Zapresic playmaker Antun Palic who impressed for the Croatia Under 21's and may do a deal. Dinamo have a midfield vacancy having released Ante Tomic and loaned out Domagoj Antolic.

ZAPRESIC TO ASK FOR LOANEES

2010-08-20T00:36:00.000-07:00

Inter Zapresic are set to enquire with Dinamo Zagreb in midweek for a striker on loan having failed to score a goal in any of their games so far this season. New signing Arber Abililiaj has been a major disappointment and the club would benefit from transfering him back to Albania.

Zapresic were expected to target former player Ilija Sivonjic. However Sivonjic is currently banned from participating until club doctors understand why the player collapsed for a second time last week. Dinamo could send Dodo down the Zapresic, as Ante Rukavina, Pedro Morales, Miroslav Slepicka and Andrej Kramaric are all ahead of them in the striking pecking order at the Maksimir Stadium. However Slepicka is also believed to have fitness issues and alternative forward Mario Situm is also injured.

Dinamo also expected to recieve a call from Istra Pula enquiring as to the availability of Mathias Chago and Ante Tomic. Chago, has featured and impressed in Dinamo's games so far and it would be a surprise to see the 27 year old Cameroon international leave. However Ante Tomic has not played all season and has been inactive for some time now. A loan for Tomic would benefit both player and club. Apart from that it isn't thought any Dinamo player is available for transfer. In attack Istra may consider Asim Sehic, Bosko Stupic and Emir Hadzic sufficient, but are look for midfielders to make the play.

Sibenik have also not scored a goal. Having fixed the defence, they will turn their attention to signing a striker to help 18 year old youngster Antonio Jakolis, who is struggling to fill in the boots of departed Ermin Zec. Mario Juric, should prove good cover, but Sibenik still require one more. Few forwards are available, but Brazilian Eliomar stands out.

Cibalia are going nicely with two wins and draws and no goals conceded, but Stanko Mrsic is still believed to want a creative midfielder. Srebrenko Posavec, Mario Grgurovic or Miroslav Saric could become targets in the coming weeks to fill the vacancy. Rijeka could also add a midfielder and will be greatly attracted by the availability of former player Sinisa Linic.

BIG DEALS SET TO GO THROUGH

2010-08-19T13:12:00.000-07:00

Croatian international Nikica Jelavic will make his move from Rapid Vienna to Glasgow Rangers this week once he completes his medical. Rapid granted the striker his move to Ibrox for around 5m Euro's. The Scottish Premier League is only a slight upgrade on the Austrian league due to the presence of Rangers and Celtic, however Jelavic is hoping his transfer will ultimately lead to a deal in the English Premiership.

Jelavic is the second Croatia player to transfer following midfielder Tomislav Dujmovic's switch from Lokomotive Moscow to Dinamo Moscow. Stipe Pletikosa is training with Tottenham Hotspur ahead of his arrival in England from Spartak Moscow. With one week before transfer deadline, Igor Budan is likely to sign with Cesana from Palermo. Dario Knezevic, meanwhile is still deciding on his new club from Livorno.

Meanwhile Greek Ethniki B side Levadiakos have bought the contract of Zdravko Popovic from Atromotis. The 26 year old will lead the sides attack in their bid for promotion.

WORK FOR HALILHODZIC

2010-08-17T00:22:00.001-07:00

New coach Vahid Halilhodzic will not get very long to settle into his post at Dinamo Zagreb with an all important Europa Liga qualifier against Gyor and transfer deadline both on his agenda in the next fortnight.

Halilhodzic will need to make snap decisions on his squad as to who he wants to keep and who he wants to let go. He is expected to recieve two requests for loans this week from Istra Pula and Inter Zapresic. Zapresic want a striker, either Dodo or the currently health striken Ilija Sivonjic. Istra are looking to test Dinamo's judgement by asking for in form Mathias Chago, but could be sent out of practice Ante Tomic instead.

Halilhodzic also must decide whether to accept unknown properties targeted by Zoran Mamic (Slovakian Salata or Chile's Pinalla) or whether to look for more ambitious prospects. Dinamo are currently holding a potential bargaining tool in Miroslav Slepicka who continues to struggle for his best form at Dinamo Zagreb. Dinamo need both a striker and a defender and in the Czech Republic there are three players who could serve the club well for a long period.

Andrej Keric, 24 was the Czech leagues highest scorer in 2008/09 season scoring 16 goals for Slovan Liberec. He has already started this season on fine form with 3 goals in 4 games. Liberec are desperate for an offer as the striker is out of contract in the summer 2011. Should Dinamo offer recent Czech international Slepicka along with 1m Euro for Keric and his Croatian Under 19 colleague Renato Kelic they could make a deal which would solve two of there biggest problems.

Keric and Kelic also have potential to be sold and move to a much bigger league in future. Although Dinamo purchased Ante Rukavina, the player appears to prefer to play off a main striker. However Dinamo's other forwards Dodo and Slepicka have struggled to find the net. Slepicka has only 2 goals, whilst Dodo has not scored at all in 7 matches this season. Keric is a naturally scorer who compares in playing style to Ivica Olic and will add whole new dimensions to Dinamo's game. A front three of Pedro Morales, Ante Rukavina and Andrej Keric could take Dinamo that bit further in the Europa Liga. With Andrej Kramaric and Mario Situm covering, Dinamo would look a much better attacking proposition.

At centre back, Dinamo arguably have two aging defenders in decline. Igor Biscan and Leandro Cufre are both 32 and are unlikely to have their contract renewed in 2011. Renato Kelic has shades of Vedran Corluka. At 18 he has already broken into the Liberec team and has the captains armband at Under 19 level for Croatia. Dinamo's foriegn signing policy is currently causing fans to boycott the team and such players as Kelic and Keric may help to turn their head. For Keric, he may be miffed as to why 16 goals in Czech Republic has only gained him interest from Konjaspor. Two good seasons in Croatia however could do a lot more for him with regards attracting much bigger clubs as it did for Mario Mandzukic. Playing at Dinamo would also help him gain the attention of national team coach Slaven Bilic.

Should Liberec not bite, Dinamo alternatively could try Slepicka in a swap deal for Sparta Prague left back Manuel Pamic. Dinamo missed out on Pamic when the player went to Sparta. Although Luis Ibanez has talent in an offensive capacity, he has struggled at left back. Dinamo seem more than settled on right defense and right midfield, defensive midfield is working well and creative midfielders Sammir and Badelj are prize assets. Halilhodzic will quickly find however he needs a centre back and a striker, but agreeing to another foriegn buy will not help his popularity. In HNL1 Dinamo appear to have enough talent at Lokomotiva to tap into rather than considering purchasing from their Liga 16 counterparts. However left back Roberto Puncec could prove an asset for the future and could be worth signing from Varazdin.

Dinamo are unlikely to move for a second centre back till the winter, but Myttlldland's Kristjan Ipsa is worth monitoring as has impressed since moving to Denmark.

OSIJEK GET KARACIC

2010-08-16T05:12:00.001-07:00

NK Osijek have appointed Branko Karacic as their new coach, after a poor start to the season cost Tomislav Steinbuckner his job. Karacic guided Sibenik to fourth last season as well as the final of the Croatian Cup. Osijek are still struggling to score goals, despite having five decent attackers on their books in Ivan Milicevic, Josip Barisic, Vedran Niksic, Anton Maglica and Igor Prjic. They also have Karlo Primorac, Marijan Vuka and Marin Skender training with them, but it isn't known if Osijek were look to them to solve some of their issues.

One club who will make a major gain is NK Varazdin, who look to agree a contract with midfielder Nikola Safaric. The experienced 29 year old will give a significant boost to the club who also signed Davor Vugrinec last month. Safaric was one of the best Croatian players left on the free agent market. Varazdin ideally need to move one player out to fund their season, with Josip Brezovec and Roberto Puncec currently there key assets.

It isn't expected Brazilian Eliomar or midfield playmaker Srebrenko Posavec will stay available for long either. Left back Ronald Siklic and forward Ivan Bosnjak also still have a lot to offer a HNL1 side.

HNL1 ROUND 4

2010-08-14T01:12:00.000-07:00

RIJEKA 1 VARAZDIN 1 (Rodic/ Glavica)
DINAMO 4 KARLOVAC 2 (Sammir 2, Kramaric, Rukavina/ Ticinovic, Spisic)
SPLIT 3 SLAVEN BELUPO 0 (Oblinovic, Golubovic, Seradusic)
ZADAR 0 CIBALIA 0
SIBENIK 0 ZAGREB 1 (Jurendic)
OSIJEK 0 LOKOMOTIVA 0
ZAPRESIC 0 HAJDUK 5 (Anas, Vukusic 2, Tomasov, Cop)

Hajduk Split moved to the top of the Croatian league after a 5-0 pounding of out of form Zapresic. Hajduk's Ante Vukusic has been on excellant form since international duty and claimed two more goals. In form Marin Tomasov also collected one. Tomasov has a secure place at right wing, with Mirko Oremus dropping to right back. Stanko Poklepovic has also been blooding youngsters in recent weeks with Dinko Trebotic and lately Franko Andriasejvic being given a chance.

Hajduk moved ahead of Rijeka on goal difference, who nevertheless remain unbeaten. Rijeka were held to a 1-1 draw by Varazdin. Ivan Rodic scored for Rijeka, with Dejan Glavica netting for a second successful weekend for Varazdin. Slaven Belupo were surprisingly beaten by HNL1 danger side RNK Split. Ivan Katilinic's men have lost twice but thumped Varazdin two weeks ago and now overwhelmed Belupo 3-0. Split are benefitting at present through having a number of decent goalgetters. Romano Oblinovic and Bojan Golubovic both got the on the scoresheet.

No such luck however for Osijek or Sibenik, who would love to have RNK Split's firepower. Osijek once again came up short drawing 0-0 with Lokomotiva who will happily take a point. Sibenik have worser problems in attack losing out to Jurendic's goal for in form Zagreb. Zagreb are now in third place. Similarly to Rijeka and Hajduk they are also unbeaten. Sibenik are attempting to rectify their problems with signings, but thus far have only been able to strengthen in defence with Marko Kartelo and Ante Aracic signing last week. It is expected that ex Belupo striker Mario Juric will arrive in the coming week, alongside another unnamed forward. Cibalia and Zadar played out a goalless draw which does no real harm for either side.

Dinamo Zagreb got back to winning ways with a 4-2 win over Karlovac. Sammir continued his good form with two goals. Andrej Kramaric staked his claim for a place by netting after coming on as a second half substitute. Ante Rukavina also scored his second goal in two games. Pedro Morales was restored to the starting line up, whilst Ivan Tomecak also returned from illness. For Karlovac Mario Ticinovic scored on his debut following his loan move from Hajduk Split. Dinamo gave playing time to Dodo, but he was once again without a goal, this being his seventh match to fail to find the net. Zapresic may enquire this week about a long term loan with Dodo or Ilija Sivonjic.

Hrvatski Dragovoljac and Istra Pula are still without a win as both sides played out a 1-1 draw. Svarcic put Dragovoljac ahead, but Bosko Stupcic was on hand to equalise in the last minute. Both team have to recruit new players to stand any chance of staying up. If not for Osijek and Sibenik's slow start both sides would already be cut adrift. Istra will enquire this week with Dinamo on the availability of Mathias Chago. They are also missing Dario Bodrusic whose contract experience at the end of last season.

SIBENIK MAKE REINFORCEMENTS

2010-08-13T10:16:00.000-07:00

HNK Sibenik continue to revamp their squad as they make up for lost time in replacing Ermin Zec, Arjan Ademi, Igor Budisa and Velimir Vidic. Sibenik recieved ample money from Zec and Ademi to recruit new playing staff however deals are only just being reached with their prize targets.

Medimurje defenders Daniel Georgievski and Amauri Vicente were first to arrive. Next to follow with Hajduk Split defender Ante Aracic and today Sibenik announced the signed of Zagreb midfielder Marko Kartelo. Two more players are expected to arrive next week. Mario Juric is likely to be one of them. Sibenik certainly need a striker having lost Senid Kulacic, Kresimir Makarin, Jusuf Dajic as well as Zec. Juric, at 33 may not be able to make a huge difference in attack, but could be a useful squad member.

It isn't known who the other recruit will be. However potential additions could be Medimurje's Eliomar or Croatia Sesvete attacker Marko Guja. Sibenik ideally could do with using some of their finance to acquire a number 9. A loan move for Dinamo Zagreb's Dodo or paying out of Istra's Asim Sehic for example could work out.

HNL1 POTENTIAL MOVERS

2010-08-13T01:49:00.000-07:00

With transfer deadline just two weeks away time is running out for Croatian teams to make any emergency sales or purchases of contracted players.

Although Dinamo Zagreb sold Mario Mandzukic to Wolfsburg, they spent almost half of it on acquiring Ante Rukavina. The club have interest from Olympic Lyon in Milan Badelj for around 8 million pounds which could lead to the players transfer. Dinamo do not have an immediate ball carrying replacement in the club. Sammir acts as a playmaker, whilst Arjan Ademi and Adrian Callelo are strictly defensive midfielders. The only off the wall idea would be to employ Luis Ibanez on the left side of a central three, so Dinamo would have to recruit. Said Husejinovic was a loan target from Werder Bremen, whilst Frieburg's Ivica Banovic could prove useful.

Dinamo do not have to sell Badelj, however Hajduk could do with the finance from the sale of either Senijad Ibricic or Ivan Strinic. PSG are the latest club to be linked with Strinic alongside Zenit and Koln. Ibricic is wanted by Rubin Kazan, but Hajduk may be prepared to wait till January after the player has showcased his talents in Europa Liga. Should Strinic transfer, they would look for a left back. However Dinamo also need a left back so Varazdin's Roberto Puncec could become a target. Varazdin desperately need the money and also willing to listen to offers for Josip Brezovec. If either go Varazdin may replace them with Nikola Safaric or Gordan Golik.

Hajduk could turn to Sibenik's Mehmad Alispahic should Ibricic transfer who is also wanted by Mainz and Monchengladback. Sibenik are not in urgent need for a sale as already sold Ademi and Zec and have struggled to find adequate replacements. Slaven Belupo and Osijek are also not in a selling situation, so Elvis Kokalovic and Ivan Milicevic are unlikely to go anywhere.

Rijeka on the other hand could consider a deal for Radomir Dalovic who is proven in HNL1 and is now scoring regularly at international level. Should Dalovic leave it could require two strikers to replace him from the free agent market with Ivan Bosnjak the most realistic. It would also help to finance a deal for Ramon Fernandes. Zadar's Ivan Santini could also attract Rijeka's should Dalovic move away.

Apart from this opportunities for transfers are not extensive. Interest from Poland in Istra's Asim Sehic seems to have cooled. It is more likely HNL1 teams will recruit free agents rather than be selling with the likes of Nikola Safaric, Srebrenko Posavec, Mario Juric, Karlo Primorac, Miroslav Saric, Gordan Golik, Marko Maric and Mario Grgurovic being share around the clubs.

DINAMO TARGET SKOBHLAR

2010-08-13T00:57:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb look set to continue their policy of appointing former playing legends as Josip Skobhlar emerged as their prime target to succede Velimir Zajec. However with Skobhlar now 69 years of age and with no recent experience of coaching since being sacked by Lebanon in 2000 questions may once again be asked. As a player Skobhlar was a major striking legend at Hanover and most notably at Olympic Marsielle. He also played 32 times for Yugoslavia scoring 11 goals.

As a coach his success has been far less. He won two Yugoslav Cups with Hajduk, but exempting short spells with Hamburg and Real Vallodolid there is nothing noteworthy on his CV. As a head figure such as the position occupied by Zoran Mamic, Skobhlar may prove useful, but as coach this can only be a short term solution. As for playing staff, goalgetter Pedro Morales looks certain to return to the team at the weekend as his omission greatly displeased chief executive Zdravko Mamic. Andrej Kramaric could also reappear.

A new coach will also have to make decision on the future of Mathias Chago and Dodo. Chago has been one of the most impressive players at Dinamo since the players returned to preseason training. However Istra Pula want him back on loan and he is no longer guarenteed a starting place since Arjan Ademi returned from Croatia Under 19 duty. Dodo meanwhile has been one of the guilty party responsible for Dinamo's lack of goals and could also go to Istra or more likely to Inter Zapresic who have not replaced him since he left the club.

Dinamo fans would be happy to see the back of Dodo, however parting with Chago could prove a mistake. Although Ademi and Adrian Callelo are ahead of him, Ante Tomic has rarely played for Dinamo in three seasons and may not prove suitable cover. Loaning Tomic may be a more sensible decision.

TALENTED CROAT FIGHTS TO RESTORE HEALTH

2010-08-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Although many Croats may not have heard the fight for health of Branimir Poljac has been big news in Turkey and Norway. The 26 year old Norwegian of Croatian parentage, had been making a good impression with Konjaspor who he helped guide to promotion last season. However April 2010 he was involved in one person car accident in which the car he was driving flipped on its roof. Poljac suffered seriously injuries and for a time was completely paralysed.

Unlike many smaller name Croats that go abroad, Poljac was making waves at his club as a goalscoring midfielder and before his injuries had 11 goals in 40 matches. A strong 2010/11 season may even have caught the eye of Croatian national team coach Slaven Bilic or alternatively his Norwegian counterpart. For now though Poljac considers himself lucky to still be alive and with the help of medical staff is slowly trying to restore movement in his body. He is able to move his shoulders and is beginning to regain feeling in his arms.

Football is littered with inspirational figures who have come back from the brink and for Poljac this will mean just to return to health. Ivan Klasnic of Bolton Wanderers overcame two kidney transplants, whilst Uruguay international Dario Silva - a once feisty striker of Malaga and Celta, overcame leg ambutation and is a much admired character.

For Croatia several players have been lost their lives to car accidents with Silvestar Sabolcki and Milenko Kovacic the most high profile. Daniel Popovic was also Ivica Olic's strike partner in the Croatia Under 21 team, whilst Varteks goalkeepers Krunoslav Kittner and Krunoslav Sabolic were also lost in the Sabolcki crash.

STRIKERS IN SHORT SUPPLY

2010-08-12T13:47:00.001-07:00

HNL1 sides looking to improve their sides could find themselves picking at the bones as transfer deadline approaches. Dario Zahora and Tomislav Sokota were prize targets having enjoy fairly successful spells in Slovenia and Belgium respectively. However both appear to be on the brink of acquiring surprise foriegn contracts.

Four clubs are desperately short of strikers. NK Zagreb, Istra Pula, Inter Zapresic and Sibenik. Zagreb may find it healthy to acquire early whilst they are in a good situation. Karlo Primorac, at 26 could be worth chancing on. The players wages would fit in Zagreb's financial structure. Primorac is looking to rebuild his career after six lean months with Dinamo Zagreb.

Istra Pula and Inter Zapresic may have to hope that Dinamo Zagreb make Dodo and Ilija Sivonjic available, who have failed in front of goal at the Croatian Champions. Stepping down to Istra or Zapresic could be what they need however. Istra are targeting Matias Chago, but they may have more chance landing Ante Tomic. Rijeka are also looking for a creative spark in the middle and Ivan Bosnjak could be an impact acquisition. Although Nikola Safaric may also do a job on smaller wages. Bosnjak may also be a target for Cibalia, but once again Srebrenko Posavec is cheaper so could be more suitable.

Defensive midfielders Gordan Golik and Marko Maric are also on the market. With the lack of strikers available Istra should be careful not to lose Asim Sehic, whilst Radomir Dalovic two goal heroics for Montenegro against Northern Ireland would suggest the Rijeka man can play at a higher level. Dalovic is a realistic target for Hearts and is also wanted by Wigan Athletic.

ZAHORA ARRIVES IN ISRAEL

2010-08-12T11:20:00.001-07:00

Former Dinamo Zagreb striker Dario Zahora has arrived in Israel to join up with Bnei Sakhnin. The 28 year old ex Croatia Under 21 player has been a free agent since terminated his contract with Norwegian side Rosenborg.

Zahora has a impressive goalscoring history in Croatia and Slovenia, however he arrives in Israel in the midst of a dispute between coach Yuval Naim and President Hassan Abu Saleh about his signing. Naim claims not to have the approved the signing, but has since been removed from his position for numerous reasons.

Zahora's hunt for a new club had been long running with HNK Rijeka, Istra Pula and Debrecen all closely linked with him. Zahora's switch to Israel however could prove his best decision which could earn him a move to a stronger club in the league in future. Meanwhile, Jurica Vranjes says he may sit at Werder Bremen if a deal with Hajduk Split is not agreed. Mario Galinovic is on the verge of joining Tomislav Sokota at OA Kavala.

SOKOTA TO RECIEVE LAST CHANCE

2010-08-12T10:33:00.001-07:00

Former Croatia international Tomislav Sokota looks set to gain one last foriegn contract with Greek club AO Kavala. Sokota, now 33 looked to be heading into retirement or back in the Croatian league after being released by Belgian side Lokeron. However the striker has won one last deal abroad in the Greek Superliga where his friend and former Dinamo Zagreb strike partner Bosko Balaban plays with Pananios.

Sokota has had an interesting career with moments of both joy and sadness. At Dinamo he made a major impression scoring 49 goals in 92 games and becoming HNL1 leading scorer in both the 1999/ 00 and 2000/01 seasons. He also recorded memorable goals against Sturm Graz in the Champions League and Parma in the UEFA Cup. Such success led to a much deserved transfer to Benfica. Sokota's first two seasons however were destroyed by injury after he broke his foot. This caused him to miss the World Cup in 2002, but he returned the season after to net 14 goals as Benfica claimed Championship glory. Even then life was not easy as Sokota was first on scene when the late Miklos Feher suffered a fatal heart attack. Sokota, who was once vilified for unveiling a anti Hajduk T Shirt, was praised by doctor's for his attempts at saving Feher's life. Sokota certainly had matured during his career very rapidly.

Sokota's performances at Benfica were good enough to win favour with Croatia coach Otto Baric in time for Croatia's Euro 2004 decisive play off qualifier with Slovenia. Sokota played in Dado Prso to score the winning goal and Baric took Sokota to the Championships after strikes against Denmark and Turkey. Sokota's finals however were typical of his career. He participated in one disappointing draw with 10 man Switzerland, one great game with France and a final group game loss versus England. That was the end of Sokota's breif international career.

On his return to Benfica, Sokota was injured again and left for rivals Porto. Sokota's was so prone to injury there that he played just 3 matches in two seasons. Sokota spent the next two seasons at Dinamo, but was again prone to fitness troubles, playing just 27 matches and scoring 8 goals. Once a Dinamo fans favorite Sokota was then shown the door in January 2009 as the club felt they were not gaining value for money. Sokota pitched up for a season at Lokeron and left with reasonable figures of 7 goals for season spent on and off the bench. It wasn't sure whether it was enough to attract the interest of another foriegn club, but Greek side OA Kavala will the player another chance.

DINAMO HIT PANIC BUTTON

2010-08-10T08:04:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb have fired coach Velimir Zajec after just 3 HNL1 games. The reasons for the sacking centre mainly on the teams failures in front of goal. Cheif Executive Zdravko Mamic was particularly vocal on the omission of Pedro Morales which has baffled many Dinamo fans. In a bizarre twist defender Dario Simic also decided to end his playing career only a day later. Having spent time in such surroundings as Inter Milan, AC Milan and Monaco it would appear sitting on the bench in Zagreb was not to Simic's liking who at 34 regarded himself past his best. With Dinamo hunting for a coach Igor Pamic announced his commitment to Karlovac, whilst Branko Karacic appears to be putting himself forward. Rumours also suggest Dinamo could return to the steadying hand of Krunoslav Jurcic who had most of the players last season.

Meanwhile Sibenik have got themselves a new coach with Vjekoslav Lokic taking over. Defender Ante Aracic has also been recruited from Hajduk Split. Elsewhere striker Marijan Vuka is the latest player to train with Osijek, whilst searching for a new club. Osijek also accepted requests from Karlo Primorac and Marin Skender to train with them. Both players arguably made mistakes in parting the Gradski Vrt to pursue better contracts.

HAJDUK BACK TO WORKING ORDER

2010-08-08T13:03:00.000-07:00

Hajduk Split completed a good week by seeing off Sibenik on Saturday. Stanko Poklepovic has altered the team in recent weeks and it seems to be working wonders. Mirko Oremus has taken up a new role at right back, allowing the creative Marin Tomasov to come on to the right wing where he can rotate with left winger Anas Sharbini in a highly attack and mobile forward three behind lone striker Ante Vukusic. Senijad Ibricic is doing a excellant job as roaming playmaker both building play and scoring goals. Vukusic meanwhile has been full of running and has a understanding with Ibricic having been fielded together last season.

Amazingly Hajduk have a very sensible sized squad in comparison to last season, with youngsters Ante Rezic, Dinko Trebotic, Franko Andriasejvic and Goran Jozinovic having access to the team from the bench. In fact it seems Hajduk will shelve in plans to sign Jurica Vranjes due to the success of Mario Brkljaca in central midfield. They also hope to give opportunities to Marin Ljubicic when he returns from injury and there may also be chance for Kreso Ljubicic to be fielded from the bench, now that Mario Ticinovic has been loaned to Karlovac.

DINAMO WASTING MORALES

2010-08-08T00:30:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb once again recorded an unimpressive performance, this time again NK Varazdin as their poor start to the season continues.

Goalscoring appears to be at the heart of their problems where Dodo, Miroslav Slepicka and Ilija Sivonjic are the main culprits. Ante Rukavina looks like he will help Dinamo to find the net, however Pedro Morales and Andrej Kramaric are being wasted and have not appeared even from the bench in the last two matches.

25 year old Chilean international Morales has a goalscoring record of one in two for Dinamo and netted his first of the season against Dragovoljac. Despite a average performance against Rijeka, Velimir Zajec's decision to drop the player has been costly.

Sivonjic, Slepicka and particularly Dodo's goalscoring problems at Dinamo have been long running stretching as far back as the last spring. Sivonjic and Dodo have not scored in 7 matches and would appear not to fit at an elite Croatian club. Inter Zapresic have suffered through the departure of the players and it would seem suitable for all parties that they returned.

Dinamo have European aspirations, but currently they are lacking forwards who know there way around HNL1 level. At the start of the season forwards such as Ivan Kristanovic for Zagreb, Rado Dalovic and Hjorve Strok for Rijeka, Nino Bule for Lokomotiva and Slaven Belupo's Aljosa Vojinovic are essential to domestic success. With Rukavina and Morales, Dinamo can return to form. However Zajec would be wise to give up on the failing trio. As funds are tight at Dinamo, Zdravko Mamic would be wise to loan out Dodo and Sivonjic and bring back an experienced campaigner like Ivan Bosnjak to add goals to the attack. Bosnjak, although 31 knows his way around the division and would not be an expensive gamble. Rukavina, Morales, Slepicka and Kramaric would more often than not be preferred, but Dinamo currently need goals in numbers.

HNL1 ROUND 3

2010-08-07T10:58:00.000-07:00

Slaven Belupo and Rijeka occupy the top two positions in the league after victories over Zadar and Dragovoljac kept up their 100% records. Both teams look well equipped to have strong seasons, especially Belupo who have dispatched their victories with ease thus far. Belupo were 2-0 winners with goals from the talented Mateas Delic and playmaker Aljosa Vojinovic. Hjorve Strok bagged a double for Rijeka, with key striker Radomir Dalovic netting the other in the win over struggling Dragovoljac.

Ante Rukavina scored his first goal for Dinamo Zagreb, but he lasted only a half as the Croatian Champions were held to a 1-1 draw with Varazdin. Velimir Zajec dropped Igor Biscan and Etto to the bench and brought in Tomislav Barbaric and Ilija Sivonjic. Sivonjic, Slepicka and Dodo were again off target whilst Pedro Morales continues to sit out matches. Dinamo's powderpuff striking trio is becoming a running joke in Croatia and Velimir Zajec will need to act soon before his job becomes at risk. For the Varazdin a point was much deserved, with debutant Davor Vugrinec even threatening to bury Dinamo on several occasions.

There was no such for Karlovac who saw off tricky opponents in RNK Split 1-0. Lokomotiva won their second straight match at home to Istra 1961. Domagoj Antolic marked his return to the club with the only goal of the game. Istra meanwhile, who replaced Ante Mise with Robert Jarni as coach will return to Pula to revamp their squad.

Osijek are still without a win after drawing 0-0 at NK Zagreb. Osijek's Vedran Niksic and Josip Barisic have struggled to find the net in the early part of the season, so coach Tomislav Steinbuckner may soon turn to Croatia Under 19 player Anton Maglica.

Inter Zapresic, along with Istra and Dragovoljac already look strong candidates for relegation. Zapresic were defeated 1-0 by Cibalia, despite Stanko Mrsic's side having goalscorer Kresimir Prgomet red carded. Zapresic have lost several key players who have not benefitted from parting the club. Ilija Sivonjic, Dodo, Mario Grgurovic and Miroslav Saric all arguably belong at this level and their parting has not benefitted player nor club. Zapresic's new signings have all flattered to decieve so far and could be set to buy Dinamo's feeder club a ticket to HNL2. Zdravko Mamic's business dealings between Dinamo and Zapresic is arguably at the centre of both teams current goalscoring problems.

Sibenik also need to be wary of joining to teams adrift at the bottom. Sibenik appear to have serious scoring issues since the departure of Ermin Zec. Sibenik may look for recuitments to solve their troubles. They play Hajduk Split on Sunday.

FINISHED?

2010-08-07T07:44:00.000-07:00

After months out of the game it would seem that former Croatian Under 21 internationals Hjorve Vukovic and Dario Smoje are both finished with football.

Vukovic was a regular performer at Alemania Aachen two seasons ago, but after the end of his contract he chose not to return to the game. The 30 year old former Hajduk Split man in fact has chosen to take up a career in Djing. Smoje, once of Dinamo Zagreb and AA Gent also looks to be bowing out of the game. Smoje is often seen on the fashion circuit with his wife Kristina and also attended the wedding of his friend Bosko Balaban. Smoje has rarely played any football now for two seasons. He last played for Pananios but terminated his contract in January.

Similarly, it would appear Antonio Franja, formerly of Vitoria Setubal and NK Zagreb has ended his playing career. Currently Ivan Bosnjak, Tomislav Sokota, Goran Sablic and Dino Drpic are all redundant, but there plans are not yet known.

BUDAN NEXT TO GO

2010-08-06T05:56:00.001-07:00

Palermo striker Igor Budan looks set to be the next Croatian player to join a new club after transfer negotiations started with newly promoted Serie A side Cesana. Although Edison Cavani has moved across to Napoli, Palermo signed Massimo Maccarone and are chasing a Cesana player and hope exchanging Budan can sweeten the deal.

Stipe Pletikosa should also complete his on off deal with Tottenham Hotspur shortly. However Nikica Jelavic will not be joining Glasgow Rangers after their top bid of 3.5m pounds was rejected by Rapid Vienna. Jelavic is in hot form and his Austrian club believe he is worth 5m Euro's on the current market. Rangers interest may alert other British clubs to his capabilities, so Jelavic could still yet transfer before the deadline.

ETTO SET TO COMPENSATE FOR FAILING STRIKERS

2010-08-06T04:26:00.001-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb coach Velimir Zajec looks set to turn to Brazilian Etto in a attacking role after becoming disenchanted with the performance of strikers Miroslav Slepicka and Dodo. Dodo is yet to score this season, whilst Czech international Slepicka failed to threaten in the Champions League qualifier with Sherriff.

Ante Rukavina will lead the Dinamo attack down the middle in the coming weeks. However Etto may now be entrusted on the right side of a forward three having impressed in midweek. Etto normally plays at right back, but the role has now been entrusted to Croatian Under 21 international Sime Vrsaljko. Etto has long been a reliable player for Dinamo, but goalscoring is not a strong point. Etto will be expected to make assists and breach the backline having built up an understanding with Sammir and Milan Badelj. Luis Ibanez is expected to stay at left back and Milan Badelj will continue in his deep lying midfield role. However Pedro Morales needs to step up to his best form as is Dinamo's best hope of goals in support of Rukavina. Slepicka may drop to the bench with Ilija Sivonjic and Andrej Kramaric.

If Dinamo's new formation succedes, Dinamo are unlikely to recruit Montenegro international Fatos Beciraj. Brazilian Dodo still may go on loan in the next few weeks. It is thought Dinamo have retained him due to a short term injury to Kramaric, whilst Sivonjic also has been hampered by injury. Dodo could be offered to Lokomotiva, Istra, Inter Zapresic or Sibenik.

LIGA 12 CRANKS UP THE PRESSURE

2010-08-06T01:46:00.000-07:00

With transfer deadline just weeks away, HNL1 clubs will be all too aware of the need to snap up new recruitments to prepare themselves for the fight for survival this season. Due to HNS change in the formation of the league four teams will go down this season, with one also entering a relegation play off. Thus far Hrvatski Dragovoljac, Inter Zapresic and Istra Pula have started badly and look slightly short of quality.

For the rest their is set to be a mighty scramble. Despite two wins in two Rijeka are still be looking for the central midfielder to make a difference for them. Rijeka are satisfied with their strikeforce of Radomir Dalovic and Ivan Rodic. In addition Nevan Vukman and Damir Krielach are protecting the backline well. However Ramon Fernandes remains a big loss and the name of Nikola Safaric has been increasingly mentioned amongst the supporters as replacement. The 29 year old is still a free agent after leaving Slaven Belupo and has a history as a very reliable HNL1 player. Varazdin also want the player but might be financially out of reach.

Cibalia also require a attack minded midfielder and it would appear the perfect time for Ivan Bosnjak to make a return. The 31 year old may however need convincing to take lower wages having had a strong career taking in good spells at both Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split, as well as Racing Genk. Bosnjak is from the area and came through the ranks at Cibalia scoring 21 goals in 62 games. His arrival would be a major boost for the club, but it would depend on the players hunger to get back on the pitch. A cheaper option for Cibalia may be former Slaven Belupo playmaker Srebrenko Posavec.

Karlo Primorac may regret parting with financially rejuvenated Osijek. Primorac is now in limbo after a disappointing spell at Dinamo Zagreb. Primorac spurned deals with Slaven Belupo and Rijeka and its thought those options are no longer open. Osijek may go back in for Primorac, but only if the talented Ivan Milicevic was to be snapped up by a bigger club.

It is still not known which club Dario Zahora will suit up with. A return to Slovenia where he impressed with Interblock, Domzale and Koper could be possible. However Zahora went on trial with Debrecen recently and it appears he still sees himself in a stronger European club. Having been released by Rosenborg, a deal abroad for Zahora appears dependent on successful tests.

Sibenik could add Ante Aracic and Marko Kartelo to their roster soon. However the teams current issues are in the striking department. Goalgetters are few are far between in HNL1 just now. Istra's Asim Sehic or Cibalia's Zjelko Marcic could be a possibility. However a deal would need to be done before the deadline. Otherwise former player Mario Juric has been mentioned or Sibenik's new ties with Dinamo may see the arrival of Dodo or Ilija Sivonjic who could be cut from the squad of the Croatian Champions following their Champions League exit.

HAJDUK PUT ON EURO SHOW

2010-08-06T00:51:00.001-07:00

Hajduk Split reached the last qualifying round for the Europa Liga group stage after a 3-0 second leg victory over Dinamo Bucarest. Hajduk were 3-1 down from the first meeting, but goals from Ante Vukusic, Mario Brkljaca and Marin Tomasov turn the match for the Croatian Runners Up.

After impressing in the last two games Mario Brkljaca who now looks set to stay. Brkljaca started the season as one of three defensive midfielders. However both Kreso and Marin Ljubicic picked up injuries to give the former Zagreb man his opportunity. Brkljaca also has an offer on the table from Russian Europa Liga representatives Sibir. However it now appears Brkljaca is a important part of Stanko Poklepovic's plans and will stay in the team for the forseeable future.

It remains to be seen if Hajduk will therefore pursue the signing of Jurica Vranjes as this may throw doubt on Brkljaca's place once again. Vranjes could perform duties in Hajduk's problem position at right back. However Mirko Oremus also proved himself a capable right back should Poklepovic restore in form Marin Tomasov to the right wing.

It would appear that Ante Vukusic will play the striker position in future, with Duje Cop and more significantly Ahmad Sharbini stuck on the bench. There is also no guarenteed place for Mario Ticinovic, who could be farmed out on loan to Karlovac. Hajduk could wait to sell Senijad Ibricic now in the winter.

SAMMIR IMPROVES, BUT DINAMO STILL SHORT

2010-08-05T00:21:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb dropped out the Champions League on Wednesday night after losing on penalties to FC Sherriff of Moldova. Despite the largely small sized opposition, Dinamo had FC Sherriff where they wanted them, but Miroslav Slepicka, Milan Badelj and Etto were not able to take there chances, whilst Sammir forced the keeper into two fine saves.

On this performance Dinamo still do not look ready to step into the high level competition of the Champions League. Although link play between Badelj, Etto and Sammir was impressive at times, Dinamo had no finish to their moves. Miroslav Slepicka lacked pace to lead the attack on his own and was too quick to pass up good opportunities to teammates. The Czech striker did not even step up during a long running penalty shoot out. Dodo also has not proved himself yet even at HNL1 level and may be farmed out on loan in the next week. Ante Rukavina, made his debut but does not look match fit or to have adjusted to his new surroundings yet so needs more time. Last night showed Dinamo however will not get by purely on Rukavina and will need another striker.

Inter Zapresic are waiting for players such as Dodo and Ilija Sivonjic to be sent over. Lokomotiva were keener to loan Dinamo's young players like Domagoj Antolic, but appear satisfied now with their forward line of Nino Bule, Tomislav Hajovic and Ivan Peko. Zapresic meanwhile are short in attack and would be keen to see their former players Dodo and Sivonjic return. Arguably Dinamo only recruited Sivonjic and Dodo to put resources into Zapresic who largely act as a feeder club to the Croatian Champions.

Dinamo can take heart from the performance of some of there players. Sime Vrsaljko missed one of the penalties, but looks a prospect as an attacking right back in the mould of Dario Srna, Marijan Buljat and Silvestar Sabolcki. Etto and Luis Ibanez also showed signs that they may be more useful to Dinamo in attack minded roles and applied themselves well last night. Similarly Sammir is playing his best football as the teams playmaker and Chago and Adrian Callelo appear to have fixed last season's issues in defensive midfield and are pressuring the ball well.

Worryingly however Milan Badelj has dropped off in form, although did show flashes of quality last night. Pedro Morales also did not feature when he has in the past proved to be the one player capable of brilliant finishing when Dinamo needed it. It seems apparent that Dinamo to enroll Morales in place of Slepicka if they are to improve their goalscoring threat.

In defence Leandro Cufre looks important. However Igor Biscan remains leggy and left back is also still an issue at this level. The rest i.e Tomislav Barbaric, Dario Simic and Leonard Mesaric are seen as cover. Despite this, the reasons for defeat were not in the defence last night. Although Dinamo lost the match may give confidence to Filip Loncaric.

How Zdravko Mamic may respond to this is likely to be through changing the strikers. Ante Rukavina will naturally stay and Slepicka will be kept for HNL1 matches and as a impact substitute. However Dodo and Sivonjic, who have affordably wages are likely to be leaving on loan. Dinamo has still not seen enough of Andrej Kramaric and he should stay on. A new number 9 is certain to arrive, most likely in the shape of Fatos Beciraj of Buducnost Podgorica.

HUNT FOR CLUBS BEGINS 2

2010-08-04T03:18:00.000-07:00

DARIO SRNA

Although Dario Srna's current contract expires in 2011, there still appears no real sign of him being anywhere else than Shaktar Donetsk next season whilst the side continues to hold the calibre of players of himself, Fernandinho, Jadson, Luiz Adriano and others. As a unit Shaktar are still a force and offer another season to Srna in the Champions League. This time Shaktar got what they want which is a league Championship and thus directly enter Europes Premier competition. Once again Srna cannot hope to transfer unless interested parties even of the standing of Fiorentina, AC Milan, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid match his wages.
UPDATE: Srna remains a transfer target for Bayern Munich and Chelsea

DARIO KNEZEVIC
Croatian international defender Dario Knezevic has had personally decent season despite Livorno's relegation. It is not impossible for Knezevic to get the call for his country whilst playing in Serie B, especially following Ivica Krizanac's retirement from international football and if Livorno were to be at the top three in the division. However it is likely Knezevic has done enough to transfer abroad. There was rumours of a switch to Shaktar Donetsk in the winter, whilst recently a switch to a giant side in Turkey was reported which could elevate Knezevic's career. Its also likely clubs in Germany may be interested.
UPDATE: Knezevic deciding between Bari, Brescia, Olympiakos and Roma. Starts the season with Livorno in Serie B.

STIPE PLETIKOSA (SPARTAK TO TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)
For a long time now it appears that Pletikosa had all but agreed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur as back up to Auerlio Gomes. Croatia has long been used to Pletikosa struggling to command a place at club level so this would not be a major issue, especially with consideration to Gomes habit of suffering nasty knocks. There appears no future for Pletikosa at Spartak Moscow whilst a move anywhere would be a surprise.

IGOR BUDAN (PALERMO TO CESANA)
Although Palermo would appear certain of a top 5 finish this season, Croatian striker Igor Budan may look to switch clubs this summer to increase his chances of a regular play. Arguably Palermo's use of Budan this season has been intelligent. The players knee problems have not been tested due to Budan been confined mainly to the substitutes bench. When Budan has been used he has scored 7 times which is a fairly decent return.

The club appears however to have become to big for Budan with Abel Hernandez coming through strongly during the season and Miccoli on excellant form. Palermo may decide to move Budan out and bring in a younger player to push the side on. Budan may look to stay in Italy, dropping down to one of the smaller sides where he may play more regularly. Bari were interested in the summer and may rekindle their interest.
UPDATE: Budan overcomes injury concerns to sign with Cesana.

MARKO BABIC
The future of left midfielder Marko Babic at Real Zaragoza seems uncertain despite the player still having a year left on his contract with the Spanish club. Babic failed to establish himself in the first team who were in the peril of relegation for much of the season. Having only struggled to gain starts with Real Betis and Hertha Berlin, Babic may feel its time to drop down a level if he is playing more football. His inactivity has seen him completely lose his status as an international for his country in spite of being Croatia's best performer in the 2006 World Cup. Babic can still experience a revival as is still only 29, but needs to find the right club.

DARKO BODUL - Ajax

Darko Bodul is a player with a lot to prove after a disappointing season with Sparta Rotterdam. The Ajax youngster appears to have no future at the Dutch giants but is also failing to impress in a lower level which has seen him fall out of the Croatian Under 21 set. Bodul who is still only 21 will need to do better during his next loan spell. Bodul, however is another player who can take heart from the Nikica Jelavic and Ivan Perisic who appeared to be going nowhere in there careers, but suddenly found form in the right environment. A switch in fact to the Austrian or Belgian league could benefit Bodul, whilst Dinamo or Hajduk may also be interested to take a chance on the player.

DINO DRPIC - Free Agent
Former Croatia international Dino Drpic will leave Karlsruhre after a extremely uneventful season for the midtable Bundesliga 2 side. Drpic will start the search for a new club. The 28 year old may have been considered an ideal and cheap replacement for Robert Kovac at Dinamo, if not for his off the field antics during his previous stint in Zagreb. It is likely Drpic will find a new employer due to his free agent status and will hope to be back amongst a top flight club.
UPDATE: Drpic offered to Sporting Lisbon

IBRICIC TRANSFER COULD SPARK LATE DASH

2010-08-04T01:05:00.000-07:00

The result of Hajduk Split's Europa Liga second leg clash with Dinamo Bucarest could be the catalyst for late activity in the Croatian transfer market. Hajduk are currently 3-1 down from the first leg and needing a mighty performance to progress to the next round.

Hajduk board officials have suggested that should Hajduk drop out they would need to transfer Senijad Ibricic and maybe Ivan Strinic to fund themselves for the rest of the season. It is thought Hajduk only have serious offers on the table for the Bosnian and Croatian international duo. Hajduk may accept 4m Euro's for Ibricic, whilst Strinic would command a 2m Euro transfer. Although the fees offered may be lower than Hajduk hoped they may reluctantly be forced to accept.

Whilst Hajduk have written off the contracts of numerous players such as Ante Seric, Ivo Smoje, Ivan Rodic and Dario Jertec. They have not brought in any significant fees from the sales of Boris Pandza, Vjekoslav Tomic, Florin Cernat and Ante Aracic. All went on frees or for under 100,000 Euro's. The sale of Ibricic would however would solve any financial problems and debts to players.

Ibricic was a target of Rubin Kazan and Fenerbahce and either could still table an offer. Should Wolfsburg's Zjezdjan Misimovic depart this could also spark Ibricic's move to the Bundesliga. Lazio's Edy Reja is also an admirer and has money to spend. Ibricic is also thought to be interesting Blackburn who may table a bid once a takeover of the club goes through. Strinic meanwhile is a strong target of Koln who can afford 2m Euro and in the Russian Premier League.

Strinic would be replaced by Goran Jozinovic. However Ibricic's sale would leave a huge whole in Hajduk's team as their most talented player. Ibricic has long been due a step up to a stronger club. Hajduk have a largely pro Croatian policy when signing players, but there a few players left in the market who Hajduk can turn to to find a replacement for Ibricic. Hajduk could look within their current staff, but neither Anas Sharbini, Marin Tomasov, Mirko Oremus or Mario Ticinovic are to the standard of Ibricic. They are however good enough to fill Ibricic's creative role. Ibricic's loss will be in the goalscoring department.

Talented Croatian forwards in HNL1 are few and far between at present. However Zagreb's targetman Ivan Kristanovic has been a former target of the club and a new bid could be lodged. Zagreb are not currently in a position to decline as a short of finance. Kristanovic would command a fee roughly in the region of 500,000 Euro's. Hajduk would also require at least one other striker of forward minded playmaker. Osijek's Ivan Milicevic is certain to one of the stars of the season and is currently fairly priced. Sibenik may also be prepared to part with the latest Bosnian HNL1 star Mehmed Alispahic for 1m Euro's.

Abroad its likely Igor Budan will leave Palermo before Hajduk sell Ibricic so that's a no go. Zdravko Popovic and Darko Bodul are the only lower profile strikers available, but may not prove attractive for Hajduk. A loan deal with Croatian Under 19 star Filip Ozobic could prove realistic. Ozobic plays regular for Croatia's Under 19 and Under 21 side, but is only in the reserves at Spartak Moscow and would jump at the chance to sign on loan for Hajduk.

With any transfer money recieved Hajduk are likely to only look for a forward and a full back. Hajduk are over capacitated in central defence with Matej Jonjic, Mario Maloca, Jurica Buljat and Hjorve Vejic. Similarly in central midfield Jurica Vranjes, Srdjan Andric, Marin Ljubicic, Franko Andriasejvic and Mario Brkljaca is considered enough. Hajduk are however very light at full back. Ante Rezic is currently being tried out there, but Hajduk have already conceded 6 goals in just 3 games. Marijan Buljat suffered a broken leg in midweek leaving Hajduk desperately short. A centre back such as Vejic or defensive midfielder could be moved across. However Hajduk could also do battle with Dinamo for Elvis Kokalovic of Slaven Belupo.

The Ibricic money could therefore stay in HNL1 and would spark further arrivals for Osijek, Slaven Belupo and Sibenik should either Milicevic, Kokalovic or Alispahic leave. The transfer however would ensure all three teams live in financial comfort for the next two seasons. Milicevic's transfer could prove an opening for Anton Maglica or for Karlo Primorac to return. Sibenik could improve all areas of their squad and Belupo already have a powerful squad and could replace from within.

Zagreb would definitely listen to an offer for Kristanovic, but would need to be quick to sign new players as Kristanovic is their only experienced forward. However whilst Dario Zahora, Tomo Sokota, Asim Sehic and Ivan Bosnjak remain on the market Zagreb will not be panicing.

VRUCINA GOES TO GREECE

2010-08-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Another Croatian striker is no longer on the market, as Bojan Vrucina was sent on loan to promoted Greek Superliga club Panaserrekos from Hapoel Tel Aviv. The transfer marks an excellant opporunity for the 26 year old to impress in a stronger league.

Vrucina's chances were limited in Hapoel Tel Aviv with the player making only 10 appearences since signing in January scoring 1 goal. He was a realistic recruit for Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb who both require frontmen, but the Croatian elite will have to look elsewhere.

Dinamo desire Montenegrin Fatos Beciraj whilst Hajduk are awaiting Senijad Ibricic's transfer before being able to make any moves in the market. Any deal is unlikely to go through in time to be able to afford a swoop for Igor Budan who could leave Palermo as soon as next week for a host of Serie A options. Hajduk could yet turn to the Prva Liga where Zagreb's Ivan Kristanovic, Sibenik's Mehmad Alispahic and Osijek's Ivan Milicevic are impressing on a regular basis.

WHO IS FATOS BECIRAJ?

2010-08-02T08:14:00.001-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb will continue negotiations with Buducnost Podgorica over the arrival of their Montenegro international striker Fatos Beciraj. Dinamo's patience with Dodo and Ilija Sivonjic appears to have worn out and the Croatian Champions have even gone as far as to agree a fee for the Kosovan Albanian hitman. The player could arrive this week if Dinamo were to pay up front on the fee of 1m Euro's.

Dodo and Sivonjic meanwhile could be sent on loan, most likely to Inter Zapresic. Dodo was supposed to go to Lokomotiva, however Domagoj Antolic arrived instead. As shown in the video Beciraj is a strong finisher comparable in playing style with fellow Kosovan Albanian Shefki Kuqi. If Beciraj arrives at Dinamo he could allow Ante Rukavina to drop into a deeper lying forward role, although Miroslav Slepicka will still hope to have a say in matters. Andrej Kramaric is expected to stay on as fourth striker. Meanwhile newly signed Bosnian midfielder Almir Bekic has been sent to Lokomotiva. The departure of Antolic and Bekic opens the door once again for Ante Tomic who will be used as a regular substitute and in Cup matches.

Elsewhere it appears Sibenik's patience has also ceased after finding themselves in the relegation spots following the first two round of games. Sibenik have signed Medimurje pair Daniel Georgievski and Amauri and could soon be joined by former player Marko Kartelo and Hajduk Split's Ante Aracic. The signings may not stop their as Sibenik are desperately short in attack with youngsters Antonio Jakolis and Ivan Fustar being thrown in after Kresimir Makarin, Jusuf Dajic, Senid Kulacic and Ermin Zec all left.

ZAPRESIC AND ISTRA UNDER THREAT

2010-08-02T01:40:00.000-07:00

Inter Zapresic and Istra Pula will currently be cursing HNS decision to cut the league to 12 next season. Both teams are without victory at the start of the new campaign and occupy two of the bottom 5 relegation spots. Both teams should have finance to draw upon, but investment is not being made by Istra into the team, whilst Zapresic seem to recruiting the wrong players. Former staff who seem suited to Zapresic such as Miroslav Saric (pictured), Dodo, Mario Grgurovic and Ilija Sivonjic have gone and Serbian Nenad Nikolic, Montenegrin Sasa Balic and Albanian Arber Aliabajaj have arrived without making any great impression.

It would appear Zapresic need a hand from Dinamo in order to stand any chance of avoiding relegation. Fortunately Albanian players are easy to offload back to their home country so if Aliabajaj does not succeed there will be a new home for him. Dinamo are currently looking for a new destination for Dodo, whilst Ilija Sivonjic could also return if Dinamo sign another striker. Coincidently Grgurovic and Saric are both still free agents and the team has struggled since their departure.

Cibalia however are not satisfied with their lack of creativity in midfield and could look at Saric as well as Srebrenko Posavec. Nobody's problems are as worse as Istra however who have sacked coach Ante Mise and are expected to replace him with Branko Karacic. Istra also will however a new keeper with Josip Skoric arriving from NK Zagreb.

ZAJEC SET TO CUT DODO

2010-08-01T12:50:00.000-07:00

Brazilian striker Dodo could still be heading out of Dinamo Zagreb this week after failing to impress once again in the 2-1 defeat to Rijeka. Although Filip Loncaric and Milan Badelj were responsible for soft concessions, Dinamo coach Velimir Zajec is believed to be unhappy with the output of Dodo. The player has not scored in 5 games played so far this season. Miroslav Slepicka escaped criticism due to netting twice, whilst Ilija Sivonjic is being used on the wings. Ante Rukavina will take over the striking responsibilities in midweek. Dodo was expected to go on loan with Lokomotiva, however Loko coach Roy Ferencina was keener to see Domagoj Antolic arrive.

Dodo may still be heading out on loan this week. Dinamo are still lining up Montenegro international Fatos Beciraj, although this may put in jepordy Andrej Kramaric chances of first team football. Dinamo fans wish to see Kramaric gain more minutes than he is currently recieved.

Meanwhile, whilst Dinamo are strengthening Josko Svasgusa has suggested Hajduk Split may be prepared to take whats on the table for their two best players Senijad Ibricic and Ivan Strinic if they go out of Europe. Their departure would lead to the promotion of Goran Jozinovic and Marin Tomasov, although playmaker Mario Ticinovic could still be sent out on loan to Karlovac.

PLETIKOSA BETWEEN SPURS AND CELTIC

2010-08-01T01:40:00.000-07:00

Croatia international keeper Stipe Pletikosa is set to decide this week whether he will sign for Glasgow Celtic or Tottenham Hotspur. The former Hajduk Split stopper has for a long time been without any regular first team football due to restrictions on Foriegn players at Spartak Moscow.

Dario Knezevic is also likely to decide his future this week. He is tracked by Bari, Brescia, Cesana and Roma. Palermo's Igor Budan also has interest from a host of Serie A sides as well as Lokomotiv Moscow and should decide his future within the next two weeks.

Ivan Klasnic is expected to sign up for Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer after severing ties with FC Nantes. There is still little news on the next destination of defender Dino Drpic or Goran Sablic. Both are free agents.

HNL1 ROUND 2

2010-07-31T13:44:00.000-07:00

DRAGOVOLJAC 1 LOKOMOTIVA 2 (Svaric/ Bule, Martinac)
SPLIT 4 VARAZDIN 0 (Zuzil, Bucan 2, Oblinovic)
ISTRA 0 ZAGREB 2 (Sovsic, Kristanovic)
ZADAR 2 KARLOVAC 0 (Terkes, Santini)
SIBENIK 0 CIBALIA 0
DINAMO 1 RIJEKA 2 (Sammir/ Rodic, Badelj O.G)
INTER 0 BELUPO 1 (Maras)

Dinamo Zagreb were disappointing at the weekend as NK Rijeka claimed a 2-1 win over the Croatian Champions. Ivan Rodic claimed his first goal for the club, with the second coming by way of a Badelj own goal. It is Rijeka second successive win, alongside Zagreb and Slaven Belupo. Zagreb beat Istra 2-0 with Ivan Kristanovic claiming his third of the season. Slaven Belupo won 1-0 away at Inter with Alen Maras netting the only goal.

Zadar and HNK Split opened their account for the season. Split demolished Varazdin 4-0 with Saed Bucan collecting a double. Zadar beat Karlovac 2-0 with strikes from their forward partnership Terkes and Santini. Sibenik and Cibalia played out a scoreless draw.

In other news Dinamo have held off the loan of Dodo and have instead sent Domagoj Antolic back to Lokomotiva. Antolic, will be a major addition having impressed on loan last season. Jurica Vranjes will definitely sign with Hajduk. Especially as Marijan Buljat is out long term with a second broken leg recieved in training and Marin Ljubicic also recieved a fracture in the defeat to Dinamo Bucarest. Vedran Celiscak has returned to Medimurje in HNL2.

KLASNIC GOING BACK TO BOLTON

2010-07-30T01:57:00.000-07:00

English Premier League side Bolton Wanderers look set to re-sign loanee Ivan Klasnic today. The 30 year old Croatia international striker is available from French second division side Nantes, who cannot afford to pay the players. The club had saw Klasnic's sale as a means of bringing in income, however the player can walk free if Nantes do not pay on his contract over a period of a few months. Therefore player and club agreed a amicable parting.

Klasnic is still seen as a usable international player having netted 12 times in 38 games for his country. The former Werder Bremen star needed to suit up with a new club and needs to be in prime form at risk of dropping off the squad. Eduardo, Ivica Olic and Mladen Petric are already believed to be ahead of him, whilst he is also in serious competition with Mate Bilic, Nikola Kalinic, Nikica Jelavic and Mario Mandzukic. Mario Gavranovic, Srdjan Lakic and Daniel Cesarec have also put themselves into position to challenge him by switching to higher level clubs.

Klasnic's ultimatum is to keep finding the net for Bolton and to stay one step ahead of the competition. As the player has fitness issues due to a kidney transplant, it will be difficult and Igor Budan is a reminder that being in a top four league may not be enough. Bolton are trying to bring in two other of their loanees who were with the club at the end of last season. Jack Wilshere and Vladimir Weiss impressed last season and Coyle needs them in order to change Bolton's style of play. Thus far he has signed up defender Marcos Alonso and Robbie Blake, as well as wingman Martin Petrov who should prove exciting company for goalgetting Klasnic.

NOW HAJDUK NEED A STRIKER

2010-07-29T13:32:00.000-07:00

Following Dinamo's pursuit of a centre forward, Hajduk Split now also find themselves very short of goalscoring options with coach Stanko Poklepovic failing to trust Duje Cop or Ahmad Sharbini to face Dinamo Bucarest. Hajduk met the Romania side in the Europa Liga qualifying and were beaten comfortably 3-1.

Unlike Dinamo, Hajduk do not have any finance to work with especially having paid off the expensive contracts of the likes of Ante Seric, Dario Jertec and Ivan Rodic. Hajduk currently have enough widemen in Marin Tomasov, Mario Ticinovic, Senijad Ibricic, Anas Sharbini and Mirko Oremus, but has no striker who enjoys the trust of the coach. Deals for Ahmad and Anas Sharbini have not worked out. Anas is only just showing some form again in the Croatian league. Ahmad meanwhile spurned a deal with Racing Genk to come to the Poljud and seemed happier at HNK Rijeka who may regret parting with him in a two for the price of one deal.

Duje Cop and Ante Vukusic are the most favoured in Hajduk's strikeforce. However both are mere youngsters with little experience or goal history behind them. Cop particularly may benefit from a spell on loan. It is difficult to pin point who Hajduk can go for, but will definitely have to recruit cheaply unless they bow out of Europe and go with what they got in the Croatian league. They undoubtedly will look in the free agent market and as they have virtually no foriegn players may allow themselves a foriegn striker should it prove worthwhile.

Croats within their price range are Zdravko Popovic, who is contracted to Greek Superliga side Atromotis and Hapoel Tel Aviv's Bojan Vrucina who has impressed in HNL1 and in this level in Europe. Vrucina is currently out of favour in Israel after only 10 games. Hajduk would like a higher profile signing but Igor Budan would costs around 2m Euro's even to loan and Mario Budimir is similarly expensive and attracting AEK Athens after impressing in Ergotelis.

SHERRIF IN DINAMO SIGHTS

2010-07-28T13:56:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb will take a important away goal into the second leg of their third round qualifying match for the Champions League against FC Sherriff. Dinamo recorded a 1-1 draw with Moldova Champions and will have Pedro Morales, Ante Rukavina, Sime Vrsaljko, Andre Kramaric and Arjan Ademi at their disposal in time for home match. Dinamo have not gone passed the third round stage of the competition for some time, but now look hot favorites to progress.

There were a number of positives in the match. The teams defensive display most notably Matias Chago, Leonard Mesaric and Leandro Cufre could stand them in good stead for the future. Last season Dinamo appeared incapable of such defensive resilience. The major plus, however was the performance of goalscorer Sammir, who now appears able to take responsibility as the teams playmaker. The change of formation seems to have suited the talented Brazilian who has impressed Velimir Zajec since he took charge and has raised his game from last season. Chago and Adrian Callelo were both busy and have staked their claim to stay in the side despite Arjan Ademi's excellant performances in the European Under 19 Championships.

In attack Dinamo require a little more work. Miroslav Slepicka showed nice touches, but didn't produce enough efforts on goal. The return of Kramaric, Morales and the arrival of Rukavina will be important to Dinamo in the second leg. Dario Simic will hope to come into the centre of defence in Zagreb as Tomislav Barbaric was red carded. As Igor Biscan struggled in Slovenia, Zajec may give the 35 year old Croatia legend Simic has chance to show he can still play at this level. If Simic is fielded alongside former Roma, Monaco and Argentina player Leandro Cufre there will be a lot of high level experience to get Dinamo through the tie.

Only a day after Dinamo's first leg match Brazilian Dodo was sent on loan to Lokomotiva. The striker was not believed to be impressing Velimir Zajec, but will benefit from playing regularly with Dinamo's feeder club. Dinamo are believed to have sent Dodo away as Zajec prefers Andrej Kramaric and Ilija Sivonjic as cover to Ante Rukavina and Miroslav Slepicka.

RIJEKA WANTS MIDFIELDER

2010-07-27T11:12:00.001-07:00

HNK Rijeka sporting director Elvis Brajkovic has said the club are still hunting for a midfield player. Rijeka appear top heavy on defensive minded midfielders with Damir Krielach and Nevan Vukman fielded against RNK Split. Brajkovic feels Split dominated possession and that Rijeka have yet to replace Ramon Fernandes.

Rijeka are likely to look in the free agent market and may find Ivan Bosnjak (pictured) to their liking as the former Racing Genk man is no longer of interest to Dinamo Zagreb. Creative duties are currently the responsibility of Hjorve Strok. Dinamo Zagreb player Ante Tomic also continues to flounder in the reserves so is available, whilst Miroslav Saric could prove useful.

NK Zagreb are also still on the look out for a striker despite Ivan Kristanovic's one man heroics against Lokomotiva. Once again the side is hunting in the free agent market leaving Karlo Primorac, Tomo Sokota and Dario Zahora as prime targets. Sibenik also were disappointed with Ivan Fustar's performance in the last two games and could hunt down a striker. They are also still negotiating with Hajduk Split defender Ante Aracic.

Hajduk, meanwhile will sign Jurica Vranjes after the player broke his contract with Werder Bremen. Vranjes, arrival allows Hajduk to transfer Mario Brkljaca to Sibir.

DEFENCE KEY TO EURO SUCCESS

2010-07-27T05:42:00.001-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb may enter the transfer market for a centre back on the back of striker Ante Rukavina's arrival from Panathanaikos. Dinamo currently have Tomislav Barbaric, Leonard Mesaric, Dario Simic, Leandro Cufre and Igor Biscan as defenders, however the latter three are over 32 years of age and out of contract at the end of the season. Leonard Mesaric was brought in as cover.

Leandro Cufre is currently seen as Dinamo's best defender. However alongside Simic his best days are behind him and is wanted in Argentina at several top flight clubs. Simic is expected to only play a bit part role, whilst Biscan was found struggling for pace against Slovenian opposition last week. If Dinamo is to pursue a half decent European campaign it is likely they may enter the market for a centre back. Thus far Gordan Bunoza has slipped through their fingers as he chose a move to Wislaw Krakow.

Dinamo however showed their financial muscle in prizing Rukavina out of Greek giants Pananthanaikos and could follow a similar hostile bid in pursuit of a defender. Croatia Under 19 captain Renato Kelic would favor such a deal having spent last season with Slovan Liberec. Kristijan Ipsa (also pictured) will also be keen for a move up having spent two seasons as a regular with Denmark's Mytlddland.

Alternatively having spent so much on Rukavina, Dinamo may look to acquire cheaply. Free agent Dino Drpic, does not seem to have resolved issues with Dinamo's Vice-Executive Zdravko Mamic to be welcomed back. Any other activity at Dinamo could be outgoing with striker Dodo and midfielder Ante Tomic considered surplus to requirements once Andrej Kramaric and Arjan Ademi return from Croatia Under 19 duty.

RAPID LACKING INCENTIVE FOR JELAVIC PARTING

2010-07-27T04:10:00.000-07:00

Glasgow Rangers appear to be set to file their second bid for Rapid Vienna striker Nikica Jelavic today. The 24 year old is believed to be available at the right price. However similarly to Red Bull's Mark Janko, Rapid have no incentive to offload the player cheaply. Jelavic is currently valued around 5m Euro's, however his valuation could increase with a second goal laden campaign in Austria. For Jelavic Scottish league Champions Rangers would also appear to be a sidewards step. Jelavic may encounter problems moving to England due to having not featured regularly enough at international level, so a deal with Blackburn Rovers could prove difficult.

Rangers may find better luck lodging a bid for Ivan Klasnic, as the 30 year old is clued up on the club having roomed with Dado Prso at Euro 2004. Meanwhile, rivals Celtic could be set to offer Spartak Moscow's Stipe Pletikosa first team football as they bid to persuade the Croatia international keeper to sign for them over Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United. Elsewhere Chievo are set to discuss with Palermo the transfer of striker Igor Budan, who has just had an operation on his troublesome knee.

RUKAVINA FINALLY SIGNS WITH DINAMO

2010-07-26T10:47:00.000-07:00

Dinamo Zagreb's search for a new striker is over after splashing out on striker Ante Rukavina. Dinamo will pay compensation of nearly 3m Euro's to Panathanaikos with the player reportedly recieving 700,000 Euro's a year. Rukavina was keen to stay on in Greece, but it appears Dinamo tabled an offer which club and player were unable to refuse which seems slightly excessive. Rukavina is not a regular Croatia international and fullfilled only a substitute role in Athens.

Rukavina was however Velimir Zajec's first choice and will combine in a three man attack alongside Pedro Morales and Miroslav Slepicka. Sammir will continue in the playmaker role with Milan Badelj dropping deep to partner Adrian Callello in defensive midfield. Sime Vrsaljko and Luis Ibanez are expected to patrol the flanks as wing back. Leonard Mesaric has currently made his case to partner either Tomislav Barbaric or Igor Biscan in defence, though both players have struggled in early season. Ilija Sivonjic is believed to be making enough of a impression to hold a place on the bench. Dodo however will find himself out of Zajec's plans when Andrej Kramaric returns. Similarly Ante Tomic is likely to be surplus to requirements when Arjan Ademi returns from Croatia Under 19 duty.

Hajduk Split meanwhile may be forced to call off the sale of Mario Brkljaca as Hertha Berlin have shown interest in hijacking their deal for Jurica Vranjes. Hertha who are favorites for promotion from Bundesliga 2 may present a bid that is more favourable to his club Werder Bremen with whom he has one year left on his contract.

DECISION TIME FOR REMAINING FEW

2010-07-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

With only a month before the start of the new season, only a handful of Croatian players are yet to decide their future. The most high profile is Ivan Klasnic. Having spent much of his career with Werder Bremen, Klasnic rarely had to think about pre season transfers. However this summer will be his third move in three years.

Klasnic's first move to Nantes proved unsuccessful as the French club are now playing second division football and cannot afford to pay for Klasnic. He prepared well last July playing and scoring in the first games of Nantes season, before signing on loan with Premier League side Bolton Wanderers. That went much better with Klasnic collecting 8 goals. Klasnic's switch to Bolton has not been made permanent so far. Klasnic often keeps any deals guarded, but it is believed Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic are interested from the Premiership and Hoffenheim and Mainz want to see him in the Bundesliga. Trabzonspor have also stated their interest, whilst a deal with Red Bull Salzburg would not be out the question.

Croatia international keeper Stipe Pletikosa is also in need to find a new club after becoming surplus to requirements at Spartak Moscow. Pletikosa is expected to sign to a new club in the next four days and is choosing between Tottenham Hotspur and two unnamed clubs. Similarly Dario Knezevic is expected to decide upon a new destination in the next week. The player is not short of options with Bari, Brescia, Cesena, Roma and Olympiakos all chasing him. He also has a still has a place at Serie B Livorno whilst making his choice.

Dino Drpic also must decide his new club soon if he is to stand any chance of coming back into the Croatia squad. The 28 year had a far from noteworthy season last campaign with Karlsruhre and was ultimately released. Drpic will be looking for a top flight club, but finding a suitable option may prove far from easy. Sporting Lisbon were linked, but this may not materialise into a transfer.

HNL1 ROUND 1

2010-07-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

NK ZAGREB 3 LOKOMOTIVA 1 (Kristanovic 2, Jurendic/ Peko)
DINAMO 4 DRAGOVOLJAC 1 (Morales, Sammir, Slepicka, Mesaric/ Kesinovic)
HAJDUK 6 ISTRA 1 (Andric, Ahmad, M Ljubicic, Anas, Ibricic, Oremus/ Sehic)
VARAZDIN 2 ZADAR 1 (Brezovec 2/ Begonja)
KARLOVAC 3 ZAPRESIC 0 (Spisic, Kovacevic, Husic)
RIJEKA 1 SPLIT 0 (Vidic O.G)
CIBALIA 3 OSIJEK 0 (Bartolovic, Parmakovic, Juric)
BELUPO 1 SIBENIK 0 (Kokalovic)

Hajduk Split made an excellant start to the new campaign with a 6-1 demolition of Istra Pula. Hajduk's entire midfield and strikeforce gone on the scoresheet with Ahmad scoring his first goal. Marin Ljubicic also got on the scoresheet to stake his claim in the side in the face of Jurica Vranjes imminent arrival. Mirko Oremus also netted and looks set for a fine season after impressing in the summer preparations. Coach Stanko Poklepovic looks set to give Ahmad a run in the side. Marin Tomasov meanwhile has drifted to the substitutes bench, though may return if Senijad Ibricic transfers before the deadline.

Dinamo on paper had an easier game against Dragovoljac and score four times. Pedro Morales kept up his good form from last season by scoring on the opening day. Sammir and Miroslav Slepicka was also on target. Leonard Mesaric who could be the find of the summer scored the fourth. Velimir Zajec was looking for Ilija Sivonjic and Dodo to get on the scoresheet, with Zdravko Mamic currently assessing Montenegro frontman Fatos Beciraj.

NK Zagreb will breathe a huge sigh of relief after starting their new campaign with a win over Lokomotiva. Ivan Kristanovic scored twice with Jurendic adding a third late on. Lokomotiva scored through Ivan Peko. Rijeka were also winnings coming through a tough match with RNK Split thanks to Velimir Vidic's own goal on his debut. Karlovac were more convincing winners as they put away Zapresic 3-0.

Varazdin also got off to a fine start following Davor Vugrinec's return to the club. Two goals by Josip Brezovec help them defeat Zadar 2-1. In Sunday evenings games Cibalia got off to a strong start by defeating highly fancied Osijek 3-0. Mladen Bartolovic showed his value by scoring on his debut. Elvis Kokalovic meanwhile was the matchwinner as Slaven Belupo beat Sibenik 1-0.

ZAGREB DOWN TO BARE BONES

2010-07-21T11:42:00.001-07:00

NK Zagreb will start the new season without Davor Vugrinec and Stjepan Babic as both players signed up to new clubs this week. Star striker Vugrinec has joined Varazdin, whilst Babic made a surprise switch to Inter Zapresic.

Vugrinec and Babic, will joined Josip Stojkic, Marko Kartelo, Goran Ljubojevic, Marin Vidosevic and Marin Skender in leaving the club. Zagreb coach Ivo Susak will have to put his faith in youth and much of last season's squad which got off to a horrific start in HNL1. Zagreb will be granted permission to make new signings as their squad is extremely small. Ivan Kristanovic (pictured) will be forced to lead the burden in attack until Zagreb find a striker. Susak is desperate for experienced forwards to replace Ljubojevic and Vugrinec.

Zagreb can only purchase free agents and there pool of options is becoming less as players look to find new destinations. Dario Zahora, Tomislav Sokota, Karlo Primorac and Miroslav Saric are however still available. Zahora and Primorac would be the most sellable assets, whilst Sokota is capable of filling the role left by Vugrinec. Zagreb's problem is persuading such players to fit into the wage structure. In this case Karlo Primorac would be the most comfortable fit. Zahora and Miroslav Saric have been on trial with Debrecen and Bucaspor but it would seem they have been unsuccessful in winning a contract.

Whilst Zagreb are floudering, Istra Pula are finally getting it together with Bosnian international Emir Hadzic set to sign from Greek second division side Panetilokis. Hadzic scored just once in Greece, but was more impressive during two spells in Bosnia Herzegovina with FK Sarajevo and Celik Zenica where he scored nearly 50 goals. Istra also confirmed Asim Sehic and Marijan Markovic will be stayed, soon to be joined by Vedran Nikisic who has fallen out of favour at Osijek.