HNL1 - WINTER BREAK TRANSFERS

DINAMO ZAGREB
In: Guilermo Suarez (Tigre), Domogoj Antolic/ Sime Vrsaljko (Lokomotiva), Dodo (Zapresic), Ivan Turina (Lech Poznan), Karlo Primorac (Osijek)
Out: Denis Glavina (Poltava), Dejan Lovren (Lyon), Gheorge Andronic (Lokomotiva), Emiliano Villa (Dinamo Tirana), Mathias Chago (Pula 1961), Carlos (Shandong Luneng), Dmitrios Papadopoulos (Celta Vigo), Ilija Sivonjic (Zapresic)

KARLOVAC
In: Goran Drmic (Volgar Gazprom), Andrea Ottochian (Rovinj)
Out: David Dujanic (Pomorac), Goran Drmic (FK Moscow)

ISTRA PULA
In: Bosko Stupcic (Vadar Skopje), Matias Chago (Dinamo), Luka Anicic (Kaunas), Gjherj Bushaj (Vllaznimi), Slobodan Stranatic (Osijek)
Out: Tonci Kukoc (Hajduk), Marijan Nikolic (Olympic Osijek), Paolo Grbac (Istra)

CROATIA SESVETE
In: Martin Bjaljic (Vrapce), Pero Pejic (Kapfenberg), Ivan Banovic (Medimurje), Tomislav Glupac (Suhopolje), Mario Midenjak (Junak), Bozo Musa (Jadran), Ante Serdarusic (Grunther Feurth), Petar Duspara (HASK), Mikhail Kostil (Rubin Kazan)
Out: Stjepan Jukic (Quindao Jonoon), Damir Smajlovic (Sloboda Tuzla), Antun Palic (Zapresic), Igor Barukcic (NK Gorica), Goran Juros (Medimurje), Ivan Rados (Diosgyor), Matija Katanec (HIT Gorica), Mario Loncar (Lucko), Josip Saric (Novaljia), Mario Jurin (Hrv Dragovoljac), Antonio Mamic (Maksimir), Artim Polozani (Vardar Skopje), Ivan Crnov, Ivan Babic (Kastrioti, ALB), Mathew Lam

ZADAR
In: Igor Banovic & Luka Batur (Rastane), Marko Anic (Primorac), Tomislav Glumic (Hajduk), Davor Piskor (Zagreb), Tomislav Culjak (Dragovoljac)
Out: Martin Kutin (Velebit), Goran Jozinovic, Marin Ljubicic & Matej Jonjic (Hajduk), Semiran Cela (Tirana), Erzdan Beciri, Sabit Alimanovic & Edin Saranovic (Olympic Sarajevo), Jozo Pletikosic (Dinara), Antonio Ticak (Novaljia)

VARTEKS
In: Josip Dvesic (Zilina), Mario Sacer (Hajduk), Adi Musli (Capljina)
Out: Luka Besenic & Nikola Frljuzec (Sloboda Varazdin), Goran Mujanovic (Slaven Belupo), Leon Lesjak (Medimurje), Igor Prahic (Sedan), Mario Brlecic (Baumgarten), Daniel Radicek (Kalinovac)

INTER ZAPRESIC
In: Sasa Balic, Nenad Nikolic, Tomislav Zivko (Ventspils), Antun Palic (Sesvete), Ilija Sivonjic (Dinamo), Mario Coric (Mosor), Emmanuel Gammara
Out: Marko Hansic (Suhopolje), Damir Krznar (Retired), Dodo (Dinamo), Marko Rasic & Marko Zigman (Vrapce), Goran Brasnic (Pjico Song Lam Nghe An), Vinko Buden (Kastrioti), Mladen Stipkovic (Gorica)

MEDIMURJE CAKOVEC
In: Leon Lesjak (Varteks), Domogoj Kracacic, Daniel Madaric (Cakovec), Marko Grgic (Zagreb), Goran Juros (Sesvete), Adrian Valentic (Vinodol)
Out: Ante Rezic (Hajduk), Hjorve Markovic & Nikola Jurin (Segesta), Ivan Banovic (Sesvete), Tomo Levacic (Cakovec), Petar Milatovic (Gorica), Martin Tisaj

SLAVEN BELUPO
In: Filip Marcic (Mytyddland), Goran Mujanovic (Varteks)
Out: Csaba Csizmadia (Ferencvaros), Krunoslav Jambrusic, Igor Gal (Diosgyor), Mario Bilen (Flamutari), Sinisa Rozman (Viktoria Plzen), Matija Dvornekovic (Gorica), Bojan Vrucina (Hapoel Tel Aviv)

HNK RIJEKA
In: David Mikael Yourawsky (Mexiquense), Andrej Prskalo (Pomorac), Valentino Stepcic (Rudar), Yasinne Lkhal (Mogheb Teutanom), Vladimir Lazarevski (Karparty), Mathew Sucurovic (Vukovar 91)
Out: Jonathan Germano (Estudiantes), Nastja Ceh (Bnei Sahkinin), Mislav Karoglan (Sikori Briceg), Johann Smith

OSIJEK
In: Peter Stojkic (Zmaj)
Out: Andre Luiz (Sport), Josip Knezevic (Amkar Perm), Slobodan Stranatic (Istra 1961), Karlo Primorac (Dinamo)

HNK SIBENIK
In: Marko Jordan (Dinara), Petar Basic, Luka Gusic (Junak), Adnan Likic
Out: Senijad Kulacic & Alen Zoricic (Primorac), Aldin Karazda (Sloboda Tuzla), Samir Duro (Celik Zenica), Anto Radeljic (Dinara)

HAJDUK SPLIT
In: Ante Rezic (Medimurje), Leopold Novak, Marin Ljubicic (Zadar)
Out: Paraiba & Thiaquinho (Gremio), Bozidar Radosevic (Zeljeznicar), Mario Sacer (Varteks), Slavko Grubic (Imotski), Jure Obisivac, Ante Budimir & Domogoj Barac (Dugopolje), Hrjorve Tokic (Mosor), Tonci Kukoc (Mosor), Rosko Spanjic (Novaljia), Ante Cicak (Melbourne Knights), Ante Rezic (Mosor)

LOKOMOTIVA
In: Dominik Picak, Ivan Horvat & Gheorge Andronic (Dinamo)
Out: Dalibor Pandza, Domogoj Antolic, Igor Vidakovic & Sime Vrsaljko (Dinamo), Boris Batjo (Gorica)
Released: Diego Jorajuria, Slavko Renic

NK ZAGREB
In: Goran Ljubojevic (Genk), Mario Tokic (Free), Marin Vidosevic (Imotski), Stjepan Babic (Amkar Perm)
Out: Marko Grgic (Medimurje), Goran Petkovic & Dino Stiglec (Vrapce), Ivan Dzolan (Lucko), Davor Piskor (Zadar)

HNK CIBALIA
Out: Marijan Matic & Mario Andricevic (Vukovar 91)

DEADLINE DAY TARGETS

With January's transfer window set to close on Monday, several Croatian players are still hunting for new clubs. HRVSOCCER looks at who could be set for a busy next 24 hours.

Senijad IBRICIC
With Hajduk Split failing spectacularly to cut their squad during transfer window, the club may aim to balance the books by selling prize asset Senijad Ibricic. Blackburn are believed to be interested in the Bosnian international playmaker and could move on the player if they recoup funds through the sale of Benni McCarthy to West Ham United which is being held up by admin problems. A surprise move to the Bundesliga, Russian Premier League or Turkey also cannot be ruled out.

Staying with Hajduk Split, the club are still hoping to offload striker Ivan Rodic, defenders Marijan Buljat and Ivo Smoje, midfielder Dario Jertec, as well as former Croatia internationals Hjorve Vejic and Ante Seric. It would appear Vejic and Seric's best hopes of a transfer lie abroad. However Rodic and Smoje could stay in HNL1. Rodic's switch to Spartak Nalchik is deadlocked, but Smoje's loan move to Istra Pula could still be revived.

KARLO PRIMORAC & GORAN MUJANOVIC
Karlo Primorac and Goran Mujanovic are both free agents so could move after the transfer window, but with the HNL1 season set to resume interested parties would hope to hire them as soon as possible. Karlo Primorac is interesting HNK Rijeka who have freed up some finance following Nastja Ceh's move to Israel. Similarly, Slaven Belupo may hunt for a new striker after Bojan Vrucina transferred to Hapoel Tel Aviv and are chasing Mujanovic who is also a target for Miroslav Blazevic in China.

STJEPAN TOMAS
There is not expected to be a great deal of transfer activity coming or going at Dinamo Zagreb. However the club is short of a centre back following Dejan Lovren's transfer to Lyon. The club has the funds to be buy, but may also wait and cover the position with a short term signing. 33 year old former Croatia international Stjepan Tomas would fit this requirement, as well as Dario Simic. However Dinamo may balk at the idea of relying on too many defenders in their 30's with Igor Biscan and Robert Kovac already on the staff. Tomas has been in talks with Genclerbirigli and its yet to be seen if a deal will be completed. The only realistic transfer out of Dinamo could see defender Carlos loaned out to Istra, Zapresic or Lokomotiva should his switch to China fall through.

JERKO LEKO
With consideration to the fact Croatian international midfielder Jerko Leko has already spent six months out in the cold at Monaco, it was expected Leko would have already transferred. However interest from Chelsea, Dinamo Moscow and Espanjol has not led to a deal being reached. Leko is out of contract in the summer, so no great transfer fee would be required.

MATIJA SMREKAR
With Varteks still depending on transfer money, the club have not collected the expected amount from Igor Prahic parting for Sedan, Goran Mujanovic has gone free and coach Zlatko Dalic parted for China. Miljenko Mumlek remains with Varteks, whilst his deal to join Dalic has cooled. Varteks remaining prize asset striker Matija Smrekar also stays with the club, but efforts to coup the player could be made in the next 48 hours. Smrekar could also become hot property should he fire Varteks to safety during the second half of the season.

SIVONJIC RETURNS TO INTER

Dinamo Zagreb have sent striker Ilija Sivonjic on loan to his former club Inter Zapresic. Sivonjic will fill in for Dodo who has gone in the opposite direction. The surprise deal comes prior to transfer deadline day on Monday. Sivonjic leaves Dinamo with a respectable tally of 6 goals in just 11 matches this season. Krunoslav Jurcic had saw the player as a useful substitute and used him both as a right winger and as a forward, having following the arrival of Dodo and Domogoj Antolic, Sivonjic appears surplus to requirements for the rest of the season.

Elsewhere FK Moscow have tied up the signing of FK Khimki's Bosnian international winger Dragan Blatnjak. The 28 year old joined Khimki from Hajduk Split in 2007 and enjoyed three season in the Russian Premier League, prior to their relegation in December. Blatnjak never the less provided 8 assists and played 25 times last season. FK Moscow are also hoping of signing Osijek midfielder Josip Knezevic.

Jurica Vranjes has also completed his long drawn out move away from Werder Bremen. The 29 year old will spend the rest of the season on loan at Genclerbirigli. Vranjes was linked with a move to Hajduk Split, but the Croatian club instead moved for former player Marin Ljubicic from NK Zadar. Slaven Belupo, meanwhile have topped up their finances by selling striker Bojan Vrucina to Hapoel Tel Aviv. Vrucina who scored 14 goals last season, had long been expected to transfer with his contract due to expire in the summer. Belupo's forward positions are currently covered by veteran forward Mario Juric and promising youngsters Francis Tepulic and Matias Delic. However Belupo could move for another forward before the close of the transfer window with Goran Mujanovic, Karlo Primorac, Ivan Rodic and Dario Zahora all still available.

Skoda Xanthi made a surprise move to tie up the signing of Lille midfielder Marko Maric on a free transfer. The 26 year old had been released from the French club having made just one appearence in two seasons. Maric returns to the Greek league after two seasons, following a successful spell at Egaeleo. Excelsior Mouscron defender Jeremy Sapina has also signed with Portugese side Nacional. Zvonimir Deranja remains just one 12 players from the stricken Belgian club who is yet to find a new employer.

ZIVKOVIC AND CVITANOVIC CALL IT A DAY

Croatia may claim to be in defensive crisis at present with few recognised defenders coming to the fore both home and abroad. In 2002 however Croatia claimed a wealth of defenders who unfortunately for the Balkan state all aged at the same time and are heading into retirement during the coming year. During the transfer window, former Bayer Leverkusen star Boris Zivkovic retired, joined by ex Verona defender Mario Cvitanovic, both aged 34. In the summer both Dario Simic and Robert Kovac are expected to hang up their boots, followed by Mario Tokic who is providing one last stint in HNL1 with NK Zagreb.

The last of Mirko Jozic's defensive stalwarts Stjepan Tomas is aiming to continue his career having left Rubin Kazan, but at 33 may struggle to obtain a two year deal. With Hjorve Vejic and Ante Seric recently being put on the Hajduk Split scrapheap, only Josip Simunic and Ivica Krizanac remains the last experienced Croatian international centre backs playing at the highest level.

Although Dario Knezevic returns to the squad, it would appear coach Slaven Bilic is not willing to trust Germinal Beerscott's Tomislav Mikulic, Sturm Graz Gordan Schildenfeld or Eskirespor's Luka Vucko at present and may turn his attention straight to promising youngsters Domogoj Vida and Dejan Lovren.

The depature of players such as Tokic, Kovac, Seric, Tomas, Simic, Zivkovic, Cvitanovic, Igor Tudor and Vejic from the squad however is part of problem which has only just occured for Croatia after 10 years of defensive depth.

CUFRE SET FOR DINAMO STAY

Dinamo Zagreb defender Leandro Cufre appears set to snub offers from Argentina in favor of a stay at Croatian Champions Dinamo Zagreb. Cufre had been negotiations with Dinamo over reducing his wages, but despite accepting the clubs terms he is still being trailed by Racing and Newells Old Boys.

Dinamo would be foolish to allow Cufre to leave as the player has a wealth of experience with AS Roma in Italy Serie A, has played in France with AS Monaco and in Germany with Hertha Berlin. He also enjoyed a successful time in his native La Plata in Argentina with Gimnasia. Cufre who is known for his tough tackling will not feel he has yet got stuck into his career at Dinamo which is still in its early days. Cufre has already brought quality to the pitch and has an infectious character off the pitch. The 31 year old also would appear a more reliable full back than the inexperienced Luis Ibanez as well as a mentor for his follow countryman, as well as covering at centre back.

CARLOS MOVES TO CHINA

Hajduk Split face a fight to trim their first team squad before transfer deadline with only Paraiba and Thiaquinho having left the club so far. Josko Svasgusa meantime has so far succeeded in seperating Marijan Buljat, Hjorve Vejic, Ante Seric and Dario Jertec from the rest of the playing staff, but on full pay as attempts to restructure the wage bill continue to flounder. Hajduk hope for Buljat, Vejic, Seric and Jertec to transfer, but it would appear unlikely the players would accept lower terms to go elsewhere considering their disinterest in reducing their wages with Hajduk. In the meantime Hajduk have recalled Matej Jonjic and Goran Jozinovic from Zadar to cover the loss of Vejic and Seric. Vejic's departure also sees Jurica Buljat back in Edy Reja's plans. However Ivo Smoje will be shipped out the Pula 1961 and Ivan Rodic is close to a move to Russia Premier League club Spartak Nalchik. Mladen Pelaic has recovered from his serious injury, but its not yet know Hajduk's plan for the former Standard Liege and NK Zagreb player.

HNK Rijeka have far less problems with the size of their staff and are instead looking to bolster their numbers. Nenad Gracan expressed his satisfaction with the improved fitness of Radomir Dalovic and Nastja Ceh who look set for key roles in the remainder of the season. The club will however not count on Johann Smith who has been told to search for a new employer. Rijeka are interested in improving their forward line with either Osijek striker Karlo Primorac or Varteks attacking midfielder Goran Mujanovic. Mujanovic would be a long term replacement for highly rated loanee Ramon Fernandez, whilst Primorac is near the end of his contract with Osijek.

Rijeka may also be interested by the possible release of Dario Smoje from Pananios. The 31 year old who experienced success with Dinamo Zagreb, Gent and spent time with AC Milan is a former youth product of Rijeka. Dinamo Zagreb's Ante Tomic and Varteks Matija Smrekar are also yet to find new clubs. Dinamo have however had more success offloading Brazilian left back Carlos who signs with China's Shandong Luneng coached by Branko Ivankovic.

Dinamo's big name summer signing is also heading out the club, as Celta Vigo look set to end Dmitrios Papadopoulos's Maksimir nightmare. Papadopoulos will move to the Spanish Segunda Liga side till the end of the season. His depature leaves Tomic and Argentine attacker Guilermo Suarez as the only players on Dinamo's transfer list who are yet to find a new club.

DINAMO MOSCOW TARGET LEKO

Following the acquisition of Ukraine forward Andrei Voronin from Liverpool, Dynamo Moscow are reportedly lining up a bid for Croatia's Jerko Leko. The 29 year old midfielder is in urgent need of games having lost his way at AS Monaco in the French League making just two substitute appearence so far this season. Dynamo should not have any trouble agreeing a fee with Monaco who want to offload the player, but would need to match Leko's personal terms.

Leko has played before in the former Soviet Union, whilst in Ukrainian with Dinamo Kiev and may be prepared to make a similar venture. Regular action for Leko could see him regain his place in Croatia's squad in time for the 2010 European Championship qualifiers.

Elsewhere Larisa goalkeeper Tomislav Vranjic has agreed a move to Iranian football. The former Dinamo Zagreb and Inter Zapresic keeper signs on with Damish Gilan. Krunoslav Lovrek, meantime has decided against a switch to NK Zagreb and has signed with K League Champions Cheonbruk Hyundai Motors. The 29 year old's switch means Zagreb could retain Ivan Kristanovic and Davor Piskor.

Meanwhile Ankaragucu are in talks to sign former Croatia international defender Stjepan Tomas. The 33 year old defender has enjoyed a successful career with Dinamo Zagreb, Vicenza, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. Despite being written off by Slaven Bilic in the Croatian national team, Tomas then went on to play a crucial role in guiding Rubin Kazan to the Russian title in 2008/09 season. Tomas has played less this season, but may still have much to offer.

FLOUNDERING CROATS

Goran Ljubojevic's recent move to NK Zagreb after losing his way with Belgian side Racing Genk could be a signal for a number of his fellow countryman to return home after poor spells abroad. HRV Soccer lists numerous floundering Croat's who may be best served returning to the Balkans.

IVAN BOSNJAK
Bosnjak's career his plummetted rapidly since he left Dinamo Zagreb for Belgium in the 2006/07 season. Bosnjak was instrumental in Dinamo's revival in the Croatian league firing 22 goals in 2005/06 which earned him a call up for the Croatian national team for the 2006 World Cup. Bosnjak began the following season well with Genk scoring 6 goals in 14 games, before being injured. However his next two seasons were far from productive scoring just 3 times in 45 games. He was released last summer, but took little time finding a new club as a three year deal was agreed with Greek side Irakilis. After 10 matches, however the player is yet to score.
Current Status: Playing regularly with Irakilis.

DARIO SMOJE
Unlike Bosko Balaban and Ivan Bosnjak, Dario Smoje was unable to obtain a long term deal upon his released from AA Gent and could be targeting a return to Croatia in the summer. With the players contract due to expire in June, Smoje has struggled to command a first team jersey at his club Pananios, playing in just 1 game so far as a injury time substitute. It would not be the first time Smoje has found himself without regular action having spent the last two seasons at Gent with just 10 matches to his name. Smoje's return to Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb and neighbours NK Zagreb saw the player gain some success and a return home would seem the way forward for the 32 year old centre back.
Current Status: Free agent looking for a new club.

STJEPAN POLJAK
Stjepan Poljak would be hot property in Croatia once he decides to pass up the remainder of his three year contract with Eskirespor. From being a regular last season, Poljak has now found himself out of contention and at the exit door. Similarly to Krunoslav Lovrek, termination seems unlikely to happen quickly, but once the Turkish side extinguish the contract it is likely the 26 year old will back in HNL1 where he shined for Inter Zapresic and Slaven Belupo prior to his forey abroad.
Current Status: On Trial with Wislaw Krakow

ZVONIMIR DERANJA
It is hard to see what more can be gained from Zvonimir Deranja's time abroad after he was finally released from his contract after Excelsior Mouscron's financial demise cost them there place in Belgium's top flight. Deranja, now 30 was a prolific scorer with Hajduk Split and is also fondly remembered at French lower division side Libourne. Deranja has however failed to make the grade at an established top level club and spent two and half years with little football to speak of at Mouscron due to injury or falling out of favour with his coach. Deranja could experience strong end to his career in HNL1, but it is unlikely he will be able to attract a decent foriegn club based on his recent play.
Current Status: One of few of Mouscron's free agents hunting for new club.

HJORVE VUKOVIC
Former Hajduk Split defender Hjorve Vukovic has spent six months out the game after being released by German Bundesliga 2 club Alemannia Aachen at the end of last season. Vukovic successfully regained unpaid monies from Hajduk last year, but has appeared little on the pitch and hopes of a foreign transfer appear to be waning. The defender had complained of injury problems and it isn't known if retirement may be in the offing, but the defender known for his hard tackling may be a positive gamble for a HNL1 side.
Current Status: Free agent since start of the season.

DINAMO TEMPTED BY LOVREN INTEREST

Dinamo Zagreb defender Dejan Lovren could be set to become the clubs latest player to transfer for big money to a strong European club after being chased by French giants Olympic Lyon. In recent years Dinamo has collected money for sales of Luka Modric, Ogjnen Vukojevic, Vedran Corluka, Hjorve Cale, Eduardo, Dino Drpic, Bostjan Cesar, Nikola Pokrivac and Josip Tadic. Dinamo had set aside a plan to listen to offers for defender Etto, midfielder Ivica Vrdoljak and striker Mario Mandzukic. However it appears Lovren and playmaker Milan Badelj are attracting unwanted interest and Dinamo now seem to be considering their stance on Lovren.

Lovren's progress may not neccessarily be curtailed whilst in France as Lyon look to freshen up a successful but aging side. With Brazilian Cris not getting any younger, Lyon look set to turn to Lovren who can also play in both full back positions. Lovren is tipped to become a key part of the Croatia national team in 2010 as Slaven Bilic has highlighted him as successor to the retired Robert Kovac and Dario Simic. Another potential national team participant Domogoj Vida also looks a strong candidate to be Lovren's replacement at Dinamo. Interest had stalled after Dinamo failed to meet Osijek's valuation of the player, but it is likely Zdavko Mamic will pay up should Lovren's move be completed.

Vida's switch will put Osijek in a very strong financial position, such as is hoped by Sibenik following the conclusion of Ermin Zec's transfer. Sibenik hope a deal to go through as soon as possible to prevent Mehmed Alispahic heading out the exit door following interest in him from Holland. Dinamo have however completed the signing of Inter Zapresic's Dodo to provide striking cover following the release of Greek forward Dmitrios Papadopoulos.