EXPERIENCE KEY FOR CHASING PACK

Experienced forwards such as Davor Vugrinec, Nino Bule, Tomislav Erceg, Ivan Krstanovic and Robert Spehar to name just a few have often thrived on returning to Croatia and it appears the answer for many HNL1 clubs next season is to fetch themselves a experienced goalgetter.  Lack of goals proved NK Zagreb's undoing last season despite being one of the more established Croatian top flight sights.  The 10 teams that make up HNL1 this season will not want to fall in the same trap.  However there are a number of such players on the market

SASA BJELANOVIC - Bjelanovic is now 34 and with a wealth of experience behind him including playing against some of the toughest defenders in Serie A successfully for Ascoli as well as enjoying spells with Chievo, Genoa, Torino, Vicenza, Hellas Verona, Atalanta and playing Champions League with Cluj.  Bjelanovic certainly has enough left in him for two more seasons, should he choose to want them in Croatia having shown no sign of losing his ability to score and may still recieve offers from abroad.  Slaven Belupo particularly need a player like this for next season, however Bjelanovic should be considering by Hajduk Split who lack a experienced goalgetter.

ASIM SEHIC - After a fairly unproductive spell in Al Faisaly, Sehic will be keen to return back to Croatia and to his former club Istra 1961 where he was a key part of the promotion to the top flight and staying up in their first two seasons.  Sehic has also scored goals in Neuchatel Xamax and Slaven Belupo.

KRUNOSLAV LOVREK - Similarly to Bjelanovic, Lovrek is a high established goalgetter who has last season played alongside Allesandro Del Piero with FC Sydney.  His spell in Australia did signal that Lovrek needs to return home to Croatia with Slaven Belupo are very possible destination as the club was desperately short of goalscoring threat in the second half of the season, with key goalgetter Davor Vugrinec now 38 years old.  Belupo will be ill advised to miss out on such a forward as Lovrek who enjoyed title winning success with Jeonboek in South Korea.

DINO KRESINGER - Kresinger had a productive spell with Western Sydney last season, however he was part of this summers clear out and will be hunted by clubs in the Croatian league where he impressed with Cibalia.  His former club has dropped down to HNL1, but Kresinger will be a target for Istra 1961, Zadar and Osijek.

DRAGAN BLATNJAK - Should Dinamo Zagreb signed promising 17 year old Stipe Perica from Zadar it is likely, the club will move for their former Bosnia Herzegovina international forward Blatnjak.  Blatnjak has enjoyed successful spells at Hajduk Split, Khimki and FK Rostov, but returned to NK Osijek in the Spring on a short term deal and is a available on a free transfer.

GORAN LJUBOJEVIC - It is unknown whether this player is available after netting twice in 10 matches in Naft Tehran where he may be offered another season.  Should Ljubojevic be made available his likely destination is to return to the Gradski Vrt in Osijek where he has enjoyed two successful stints.  Ljubojevic is the type of forward Osijek need to help the promising Antonio Perosevic, despite being close to bringing Josip Barisic back to the club.  Ljubojevic again may become the target of Slaven Belupo who need a experienced goalgetter having allowed Davor Vugrinec to leave.

KARLO PRIMORAC - Although scoring goals for fun in Daarby Sime the standard of the league is not good and Primorac may be encouraged to return to Croatia.  Hrvatski Dragovoljac need a forward and could be encouraged to move for Primorac.  Former club Osijek may also see Primorac as a cheaper option  as they are strapped for cash and have little to spend of wages.

DARIO ZAHORA - Until his move to Ergotelis, Zahora's career looked to be going firmly off the rails having failed to gain enough matches at Osijek and Lokomotiva to win a long term contract.  Former club of Mario Budimir Ergotelis, however offered the player a year with them in the Greek second division and Zahora has impressed helping the club to regain promotion as the teams top scorer.  Zahora may be offered another year but if not he would be attractive now for HNL1 sides having proven himself at a similar level.
* Zahora signs for Greek club Irakilis.

Other players available include Al Wahda's AHMAD SHARBINI whilst Dragovoljac or aspiring HNL2 sides may be alerted by the availability of DAVOR VUGRINEC, MARIO JELAVIC and MARTIN SABAN.

KELEVA OUT, THREE ARRIVE AT MAKSIMIR

Dinamo Zagreb have moved quickly to acquire new players ahead of next season, by signing Argentine goalkeeper Pablo Migliore, Chilean striker Junior Fernandes on loan from Bayer Leverkusen and most impressively Algerian winger Al Arbi Soudani who netted 9 goals for Vitoria Guimares this season.  The club also announced Domagoj Antolic, will be recalled from Lokomotiva and will compete in a already crowded midfield with Alen Halilovic, Sammir, Ivan Tomecak, Luis Ibanez, Jerko Leko, Nikola Pokrivac, Marcelo Brozovic, Arjan Ademi, Zvonko Pamic and Said Husljenovic all on the books and unlikely to transfer.  Dinamo also revealed they have had no offers for Croatia playmaker Sammir and their is no decision on the future of Andrej Kramaric, who could spend another season on loan despite scoring 14 times.

RNK Split and HNK Rijeka also aim to continue their progress by recruiting new players.  Having tied up Anas Sharbini, Rijeka have strengthened their forward line by signing Josip Tadic from Melbourne Heart.  Tadic, 25 proved squad player scoring 20 goals whilst with Dinamo Zagreb. Spells with Grenoble, Lechia Grdansk, Omonia proved unsuccessful and short lived.  However Tadic scored 6 times last season in Australia's A league and also impressed at Arminia Bielfeld.  The club announced they also hope to renew Danijel Cesarec's contract, whilst HNL1 top goalscorer Leon Benko will remain having netted 18 goals.  Tadic, is expected to prove more clinical that outgoing Belgian forward Andrea Mutombo, who can find a new club along with Drago Gabric, Mato Neretljak and Lukasz Mierzejewski.

RNK Split are looking to pick up Istra 1961 midfield Mislav Andreljkovic and Osijek defender Ivan Ibriks.  Both Slaven Belupo, Split and Istra themselves will also be alerted by the news of Dino Kresinger's release from Western Sydney. Kresinger, 31 impressed at Cibalia, before joining the Austrialia A League side last summer scoring 2 goals.  Osijek meantime have appointed new coach Tomislav Steinbuckner and hopes to make Frane Vitaic his first signing.

HNL1 DOWN TO 10 TEAMS AS CIBALIA AND ZAGREB DROP OUT

It is hard to know what to make of the Croatian domestic league season just past.  As with Varazdin, Karlovac, Sibenik and to a less extent Medimurje and Croatia Sesvete in previous years more teams seem to be falling by the wayside for financial reasons and thus forfeiting their ability to compete.  NK Zagreb having sold Ivan Krstanovic, Vedran Celjak and Matteo Pavlovic for decent sums, have less excuse for the dismal season. However Cibalia have impressed in recent seasons and are certainly a victim of financial hardship.  Their team containing the likes of Dino Kresinger, Ivica Baraban, Zjelko Malcic, Davor Bagaric, Josip Milardovic and Marijian Antolovic is unlikely to have struggled as badly. Tomislav Mazalovic, Dario Zuparic and Mladen Bartolovic have still shone this season and may move to bigger clubs, but on the whole its now a rebuilding process for Cibalia, in what is going to be a increasingly competitive HNL2.

It is hard to know where to look when laying the blame for NK Zagreb's blight. This is no longer the club which ended Dinamo and Hajduk's domination of the Croatian league under Zlatko Kranjcar over 10 years ago.  The last time the club appeared to be going the right way was when Ivo Susak was appointed three seasons ago.  However president Drazen Medic felt the need to interfere and change coaches and its been downhill from that point on.  A series of disappointing signings have left the club with what is a HNL2 standard side, but is nevertheless one capable of getting promoted.  Most disappointing has been the clubs forward line which turned to a winger Besart Abdurahimi in desperation towards the end of the season.  He is at least an asset, but Medic needs a proven goalscorer to get this team back up.  With Davor Vugrinec and Mladen Bartolovic's contracts up at Slaven Belupo and Cibalia respectively these are such players as Zagreb will need.

NK Zagreb's mismanagement is not too far a case that has been happening with Hajduk Split and this season the club has suffered finishing in fourth place.  Should Zagreb's Abdurahimi end up with Dinamo Zagreb to be loaned out for the benefit of Lokomotiva or Inter Zapresic it will be symbollic of what is happening in the Croatian league and most notably Hajduk Split.  A number of talents have been swiped from under Hajduk's noses most notably from what was Hajduk's closest neighbours Sibenik.  Mehmed Alispahic, Arijan Ademi both would have appeared obvious Hajduk Split signings, but were taken by Dinamo, along with Krstanovic who was suited down to the ground to Hajduk.  If truth be told Hajduk have struggled to get their hands on many of HNL1's best talents in recent years. Thankfully this season this has given some of their own young players a chance which has seen Mijo Caktas and Franko Andriajsevic shine.  The club however has been forced to chuck away Ante Vukusic, Anas Sharbini and Josip Radosevic too soon just to be able to afford to keep running.  Vukusic is currently in limbo with games in Pescara, although a season in Serie B may well do him good.  Sharbini meanwhile is back in Rijeka picked up on a free transfer however sold him for over 1 million Euro's to Hajduk.  It would appear on the face of it the same may be about to occur with Marijan Maloca for whom another in HNL1 would not do him great harm.

The teams forward line has had to be recreating entirely with Vukusic, Ivan Lendric and Ahmad Sharbini all having left. Anton Maglica has started to find his feet despite injury problems, whilst Ivan Vukovic has been the teams best attacker. Jack Kouassi and Antonio Jakolis could prove decent squad players, but the teams really needs an experienced forward.  Mate Bilic would certainly be a gain for this club having proven himself in Spanish football and at a much higher level.  As a free agent and with a decent season with Sporting Gijon behind him this would be the right time to bring in their former forward.

Some quality wide players may also be in order for Hajduk. Filip Ozobic and Sven Tino Susic have done nothing much this season.  The club however would struggle to afford talents such as Ante Rebic of RNK Split and Inter Zapresic's Mislav Orsic.  A gamble that would have little to lose would be to bring back Drago Gabric, who is not the same since his car crash in Turkey, but under the right rehabilitation is cheap enough to be worth it.

The teams to have stole a march on Hajduk this season are HNK Rijeka, RNK Split and Lokomotiva Zagreb.  Whilst the likes of Cibalia, Zagreb and Osijek have fallen on hard times HNK Rijeka have invested heavily and are surveying the cost now the season is over. Third place is not bad.  However some of the clubs big signings not working out. Drago Gabric - who was not properly rehabilitated at the point of transfer and Belgian Andrea Mutombo has not scored a goal. Pole Lukas Mierzejewski was also not required. Mato Neretljak at 34 is also passed his best, but still played his part this season. Why these players were signed to two year contracts without proving themselves first is a financial mistake. Much better has been the signing of the leagues outstanding striker Leon Benko, again a miss by Hajduk Split, as well as midfielder Josip Brezovec and Ivor Weitzer.  Danijel Cesarec, Goran Mujanovic and Dario Knezevic have also played decent roles this season.  Mehmed Alispahic and Vedran Jugovic still have something to prove, especially with the returning Zoran Krzvic and Anas Sharbini providing more of a potential wow factor that the investors are looking for. Jugovic has more of a defensive role to player however now Damir Kreilach has joined Union Berlin.  It is essential for Rijeka to hold onto Benko, however a new forward is needed to learn from his experienced as well as 30 year old Cesarec.

Rijeka have talent spotted at Osijek, just as they did with Slaven Belupo last season.  Belupo will be keen to close the door on Rijeka having made their big sale in the form of Igor Bubnjic to Udinese for over 1 million Euro's.  Belupo however acted in the second half of the season as if they had nothing to play for and this is something Ivan Katilinic will quickly want to change in the summer.  After excellant performances in 2012 little was heard of Mateas Delic, Dejan Glavica and co in the next six months.  Borislav Filipovic, Mario Baric and Igor Jugovic will leave, but Mario Jelavic and Enes Novincic will need to do more next season.  In truth Katilinic needs to make signings.  If ex Croatia striker Davor Vugrinec, now 38 is to leave the club needs a new goalscorer.  Krunoslav Lovrek, Ahmad Sharbini, Bojan Vrucina and the rejuvenated Dario Zahora (8 goals for promoted Ergotelis) is the type of player they need.  Belupo will also need a centre back and midfield players to ensure they challenge Hajduk, Rijeka, RNK Split, Lokomotiva and Dinamo much stronger next season.

All eyes will be on Osijek in the new season.  This is a team that has had no choice, but to throw open the door to youth and may be the fall guys in 2014 purely due to finances.  Under the stewardship of one of HNL1 best coaches Stanko Mrsic Osijek had a strong start to the season.  However in 2013 they shown signs of suffering the same fete as Cibalia, Sibenik and Karlovac with all their strong players refusing to sign new contracts.  Ivan Ibriks, Tomislav Sorsa, Ivan Milicevic, Vedran Jugovic, Zoran Krzvic, Marko Leskovic are part of the exodus from the Gradski Vrt.  Dragan Blatnjak has also not signed on for a second season, but this could be as he wishes to return to NK Zadar where he spent a successful early career.  The clubs bright prospect Antonio Perosevic remains for next season as could come to fore despite what appears a hard couple of years ahead for the club. Its unlikely Osijek have enough quality standard youth players to cope with the number of their experienced squad departing.  Its to be seen if Osijek bring in experience to help their younger players or end up being reduced to assembling a HNL2 level group. Free agents Valentin Babic, Jurica Vranjes, Mato Neretljak and Goran Ljubojevic are all former Osijek men that can do a job in helping the side avoid relegation.

Zadar did well to stay in HNL1 this season and will be looking for more of the same. A lot of the current squad can hold their head high this season, including Stipe Perica who at 17 is a excellant prospect after netting 7 goals. Zadar will also be doing what they can to convince Jurica Buljat to stay. Istra 1961 also got the best out of what they had although will not be pleased to see 10 goal top scorer Goran Roce leave or midfielder Mislav Andrejlkovic. Istra will be in the hunt for another goalscorer to partner Sandi Krizman.

At the top of the league Dinamo Zagreb seem to have a squad that is swelling and even with sending half of it to Lokomotiva is proving too strong for the rest of the sides in Croatia.  The arrival of Chilean striker Junior Fernandes means Dinamo now have far too many strikers.  Fatos Bequiraj, Ante Rukavina, Ivan Krstanovic and Duje Cop has been more than enough to ensure another HNL1 title.  However it is clearly not good enough to compete in the Champions League or Europa Liga.  Dinamo's solution to buy foriegn players have is not satisfying to see. Bequiraj is the main man to suffer.  Having impressed everyone in 2013 by bagging 16 goals as the leagues highest scorer, the Kosovan Albanian striker has lost his way this time out falling behind Cop and latterly Krstanovic from whom Dinamo could not really ask more.  Cop was a free transfer from RNK Split and has scored 9 times.  Rukavina, also may have to go away to a new club as was a expensive buy from Panathanaikos.  Many feel the 24 year old still can have a role to play and Dinamo may well regret tearing up his contract.  Should RNK Split get the money they want for Ante Rebic, they could have the finances to offer Rukavina a deal.

In the midfield is where Dinamo are strongest with Zvonko Pamic and Said Huseljinovic finding their feet in the latter part of the season to add to Ivan Tomecak, Sammir, Alen Halilovic, Luis Ibanez, Marcelo Brozovic, Jerko Leko, Nikola Pokrivac and Arjan Ademi in that area.  Sammir appears to want out, but the player is likely to lose out more than the club with Halilovic waiting to take his place not only at club, but also international level.  Sammir would appear wise to stay put and prove himself until a bid comes along.  In central defence Josip Simunic is passed his best but has another year, so the club really needs a signing for this position.  Tin Jedvaj is a talent, but is only 17.  Many would appreciate Renato Kelic or Hjorve Cale in this area.  Ideally Dinamo need a big signing in centre back. Should Sammir go Dinamo intend to call back Domagoj Antolic. Meanwhile the club has no answer at present what to do with Andrej Kramaric who has had a strong season at Lokomotiva.  Mario Situm is expected to stay with the Loko's as his season has been disrupted by injury.  Its unlikely he will be partnered by Kramaric for a second season, as Kramaric is wanted by clubs around Europe.  Dino Spehar is likely to be next to head down to Lokomotiva. If Dinamo do any further transfer business it will only involve Sime Vrsaljko who is wanted by Bayer Leverkusen, but with the defence already in bits Zdravko Mamic want not take the money for now.  This is because Tonel, Igor Biscan and Domagoj Vida have all left in the last 12 months but were not replaced. 

HSV TO SIGN BADELJ

After qualifying for the third qualifying stage of the Champions League Dinamo Zagreb have decided to retain the services of star striker Fatos Bequiraj, who was a target of Hoffenheim. The Montenegrin International showed his worth in the sides 4-0 victory over Sherrif of Moldova. The powerful frontman at present appears invaluable to Dinamo's cause, with Ante Rukavina and Duje Cop also making positive starts to the season.

Dinamo have however parted with playmaker Milan Badelj who will sign for Hamburg to replace David Jarolim. Badelj has served Dinamo excellantly, but does not wish to renew his contract in 2013, leaving Dinamo in need to cash in on their prize asset. Dinamo also have adequate cover in central midfield with Jerko Leko, Nikola Pokrivac, Arjan Ademi, Adrian Callelo and Matias Chago all on the books. Ademi thus far has been unsettled at Dinamo and Badelj's departure may help the former Sibenik man to gain more playing time. Dinamo have also taken in form Marcelo Brozovic back from his loan spell at Lokomotiva.

Had Bequiraj transferred Dinamo were looking for former Croatia international striker Ivan Klasnic to add experience to their front line. However such a deal no longer seems on the card, with Klasnic expected to sign for Turkey's Gaziantespor. Klasnic had a fairly successful time with Bolton Wanderers, but was in need of change of scene. With first team football far from certain with Deportivo La Coruna and competition in HNL1 limited, Klasnic appears to have chosen the more competitive Turkish Superliga for his new destination. Rijeka have made a staggered start to the new season with many new players taking time to gel. Rijeka have responded by adding a high calibre forward to their strikeforce with Daniel Cesarec coming in from Maccabi Haifa. The 29 year old has impressed in Greek football, but is in need of a new challenge and should support Leon Benko to add more goals to Rijeka's game.

Whilst RNK Split, Osijek and Slaven Belupo have also started the season well, Cibalia, Inter Zapresic and Zagreb have struggled. Cibalia have been linked with Josip Lukacevic and Ivan Bosnjak, having failed to persuade Dino Kresinger to return for another season. Zapresic are also in need to sharpen up their forward line with a experienced striker. Former player Ilija Sivonjic is still available, as is Karlo Primorac. Slaven Belupo strengthened their title challenge with the recruitment of defender Mario Baric, who enjoyed two strong seasons in Belgian football with Genk. RNK Split meanshile signed Denis Glavina and Ivan Radeljic.

DINAMO FACE BEQIRAJ PROBLEM

Dinamo Zagreb had been enjoying their summer largely unaffected ready to start the season with no great upheaval to their squad or coaching staff. However, the Croatian Champions finally have a problem to contend with, with their Montenegrin international striker and top scorer Fatos Beciraj linked with a reported four million Euro transfer to Hoffenheim. It may prove a deal Dinamo are willing to take as it is a profit on the player they bought for just under a million from Buducnost Podgorica only two years ago. However Dinamo still harbour ambitions of Champions League football and Beciraj is need to help them reach the final qualifying rounds.

Beciraj himself is probably ready for the step up and for the club their is currently little point in elevating the career of a forward who is never going to represent Croatia and will in all likelyness be a key figure for Kosovo. Selling Beciraj also effects the team less than losing Milan Badelj, Sammir, Luis Ibanez or Sime Vrsaljko. However Dinamo do not now have enough in attack to launch a campaign in Europe despite positive results against Spartak Moscow and Dinamo Kiev in friendlies. Striker Duje Cop is seen as a impact substitute, as is the erratic Ante Rukavina. Andrej Kramaric and Mario Situm meanwhile have been sent to learn their way for a full season with NK Lokomotiva. Ivan Krstanovic is mainly for knocking off HNL1 opposition after a fairly decent first year with the club. Dinamo will be looking for a player with European experience.

Selling Beciraj may lead to Dinamo scrambling for free agents the most enticing of which is Ivan Klasnic. His current suitors are unknown and his attitude is not known after a time of highs and lows in English football with Bolton Wanderers. Guarenteed first team football may however interest him.

The options for striking reinforcements are becoming few and far between and this is something that could be of concern not only to Dinamo but Hajduk Split. Hajduk must sell Ante Vukusic in order to pay Sibenik who are owed money. Whilst Vukusic may attract a bid and they have tied up a deal with Osijek for Anton Maglica, that is currently only being seen as to deputise for losing Ivan Lendric to Zulte Varegem. When Hajduk begin their new season, fans may be justifiable concerned as on paper Rijeka, Split and Slaven Belupo currently look stronger. Losing Drago Gabric, Mario Ticinovic and Srdjan Andric has also significantly weakened the midfield. RNK Split benefitted from Hajduk's woes by snatching Istra 1961's Henri Belle, who in turn replace him with Hajduk's most experienced forward Ahmad Sharbini. Alongside Sandi Krizman that gives them a strong front line.

Hajduk's shining light is that Cibalia and Osijek look to be considerable weakened this season due to financial problems. Osijek wished to hold onto Goran Ljubojevic and Marko Babic for a second season, but are forced to go again with young players. They still have Vedran Jugovic, Tomislav Sorsa and Ivan Milicevic on board. Osijek need the Intertoto Cup for the club to promote their stars in order to attract a transfer.

HNK Rijeka are looking more than well set up for the new season with Drago Gabric, Dario Knezevic and Jurica Vranjes fully integrated into the new look team. A goalscoring forward to partner Benko has however thus far evaded them. Goran Mujanovic can play a back up role, however Rijeka may search the free agent market for a proven goalscoring forward. Zdravko Popovic and Daniel Cesarec have both had a relatively successful time in Greece and may fit the bell and been released by Leviadkos and Maccabi Haifa respectively.

Slaven Belupo are also weighing up whether the recruit a forward having allowed Bojan Vrucina to sign with Hungary Kaposvari. At 37 Davor Vugrinec is in his twilight years and Martin Saban is still unproven in HNL1. A lot of pressure is on Tomislav Busic this season, whilst Mateas Delic has started well after returning from Gangwon of South Korea. Belupo could possibly take a chance on former Varazdin striker Matija Smrekar who is looking for a new club after failing to find himself at Sedan and Charleroi. A two year deal could suit both parties with Belupo ultimately needing a long term solution to Vugrinec.

RIJEKA MAKE UP A BIG THREE

With Davor Suker to be the new HNS President, Igor Stimac to become Croatia's new coach and HNL1 reducing its numbers from 16 to 12 its all change with 2012/13 season. Off the back of a decent showing in Euro 2012 there is some air of optimism, met with the usual sceptisism and mistrust. In the domestic league it appears there is three contenders for the title this year, with reinvigorated Rijeka expected to chase for a top two finish. Whilst Dinamo still look likely to take the title again, Hajduk are the team most under threat from a club that could have easily been relegated last season. However new investment in new signings such as Josip Brezovec, Leon Benko, Dario Knezevic, Mate Neretljak, Drago Gabric and Jurica Vranjes are expected to improve the side considerably. Benko for one is proving scorer in HNL1 and Brezovec has been one of the best midfielders in the league for the last two seasons. If Rijeka can find the real Drago Gabric who impressed for Croatia and in Turkey they are also going to have a player of a real substances for this level. Knezevic and Vranjes have also been playing there football at a much higher level. The club it is felt are still short of another striker. Sasa Bjelanovic was the main target however he has options to stay in Italy with current club Verona or another Serie B side and is also interesting Pananios. Giving 33 year old Ivan Bosnjak another try out is option or more favourable signing Josip Tadic who failed to build on his good season at Arminia Bielfeld when he was signed by Lechia Grdansk.

Hajduk's unloved Ahmad Sharbini is also on their list, however Hajduk may trade him to Istra 1961 in order to sign up Cameroonian forward Henri Belle rather than trade him to a rival. Hajduk are already set to lose Ante Vukusic to a unnamed club in the next weeks and quality replacements are hard to find. Whilst Anton Maglica signed last week from Osijek is a talent, he has only 6 goals to his name last season and is more a replacement for losing Ivan Lendric to Zulte Varegem. Mario Ticinovic has also left cheaply to Denmark with Hajduk seeing the best of him and Marin Tomasov left for 1860 Munich without Hajduk receiving any compensation. Srdjan Andric and Drago Gabric were bizarrely released. Hajduk's hopes depend hugely on Anas Sharbini with so many key players gone and they still have a asset in Mario Maloca. The rest of the side still needs peicing together mainly from young players with Dinko Trebotic to receive another try as playmaker. Should Hajduk get the funds they may look at Osijek midfielder Tomislav Sorsa, but need a experienced striker. Those are few and far between and at the minute they do not even have one of the standard of Rijeka's Benko. One time target Mate Bilic now has all the incentive to stay at Sporting Gijon and be part of their push for promotion in Spain. Ergotelis's Mario Budimir must surely be of interested however with over 20 goals and 15 assists to his name during his three year stint in Greek football. He is now a free agent and seems a obvious target for Hajduk in their current financial position.

Dinamo watch over all this with little problems. None of their key players have left with Ivan Keleva, Tonel, Simunic, Ibanez, Beciraj, Krstanovic, Rukavina, Sammir, Leko, Pokrivac, Vrsaljko, Kovacic and most importantly Badelj all still present and raring to go in a fearsome squad. The player to keep an eye on this year is Josip Pivaric who after spending years impressing at Lokomotiva finally broke into Dinamo's team at left back. The challenge now is to stay there and potentially becomes Croatia's new number 3. If not it seems only a matter of time before Dinamo start thinking Hjorve Cale.

Although the target is Champions League football Dinamo have not seemed much interested in big name signings. Last season they were more than satisfied with Beciraj and Krstanovic and have barely seen the best of Rukavina yet. Jakub Sylvestr was justifiable sent away on loan and Duje Cop was brought in to replace him. But that remains one of few changes at the Maksimir. Dinamo's only real problem is what to do with the excess. Fortunately they are only youngsters so the likes of Andrej Kramaric, Matteo Poljak, Ivan Peko and Mario Situm are certain to go back to Lokomotiva for more first team experience. The only other deal Dinamo could do would be to sell Mathias Chago to Istra 1961. However even he remains useful. Arjan Ademi is likely to stay on and can cover midfield and centre back as Dinamo have now released aging captain Igor Biscan who could retire. Many observers feel however that winning HNL1 again and making one big sale would suit Dinamo's heirachy this season. Expect big things from Domagoj Vida, Sime Vrsaljko, Milan Badelj, Fatos Beciraj, Luis Ibanez and Matteo Kovacic this season. As a side Dinamo having player together consistently Dinamo are expected to function better this campaign.

Slaven Belupo and RNK Split are currently rated as the 4th and 5th best teams in the league. Belupo have however lost not only Leon Benko and Josip Brezovec, but also Goran Mujanovic and Stjepan Poljak. Mateas Delic however is a key signing and in Tomislav Busic, Bojan Vrucina, Martin Saban and Davor Vugrinec they should have enough up front. Glavina is key in central midfield after a good first season. Although Ante Batarelo has arrived they do need more creativity to support him. Brezovec was a excellant recruit last year and the club are looking for something similarly inspirational with him now gone. Roy Ferencina would love to get Domogoj Antolic who he coached at Lokomotiva, but Dinamo are unlikely to let him go just yet. Matteo Poljak may be more realistic.

RNK Split whilst have lost Duje Cop, did hold onto Ante Vitaic and Ivica Krizanac. Meanwhile Ivica Baraban, Romano Oblinovic, Aljosa Vojinovic and Golubor is more than enough of a strikeforce to soften Duje Cop's departure. With Josip Seradusic back from injury Split could be in for a strong season. Split are also sneakingly taking away the strength of rival Cibalia with Tomislav Radotic the latest arrival. Gradual progress remains their prime objective.

Cibalia and Osijek's when once top half was the plan will first think of avoiding relegation. Both lost their key striker. Cibalia losing Dino Kresinger and Osijek losing Anton Maglica. Respectively therefore Mladen Bartolovic and Ivan Milicevic are more important this season. Osijek may also go back again to Goran Ljubojevic who was freed from a unsuccessful stint at Targu Mures which would ease Maglica's loss. Vedran Jugovic is however also hunting for a new club in Ukraine and Marko Babic has not renewed his contract.

The team that nobody is yet sure how will do is NK Zagreb. There has been few changes there as yet, but also no stand out players that see them as potential top 5 candidates. If the team makes the top half it must be seen as a success. As well as Rijeka local rivals Istra 1961 are also one to be watch out for with ambitious coach Igor Pamic, Russian ownership in place and a ground to be proud of things are finally moving forward for the club who could have gone the wrong way. Tomislav Hajovic, Sandi Krizman, Henri Belle and Tomislav Barbaric were examples of Pamic's eye for a good player however and relegation disappeared last year. Kresimir Prgomet looks to be equally a shrewd recruit this time out. Secretly may in Istra feel Henri Belle for Ahmad Sharbini could be the deal that boosts their season. Although Belle is promising Ahmad has scored heavily throughout his career in Croatian football. Hajduk want to offload him however and don't want him to go to Rijeka and Istra could well benefit. The club have sold Karlo Primorac to Severin in Romania's Liga 2 but that's not being seen as much loss.

Zadar and Inter Zapresic start off as the most likely candidates for relegation, but only due to their size of clubs. Both benefit from affiliation with Hajduk and Dinamo Zagreb respectively. Zadar have Ivan Santini back at the club and cashed in on a somewhat surprising returnee Marin Tomasov. Santini should he stay could fire Zadar into midtable once again. If he goes however Zadar must get active for a replacement. They do have Zelimir Terkes back, but Hajduk are more inclined to hold onto their young players this time. Ivan Bosnjak is the sort of gamble they may take, but may also interest Rijeka and Cibalia.

Inter Zapresic narrowly avoided relegation and need to take action. Signing Lokomotiva defender Matej Bagaric was intelligent, but goalscoring is a issue with Arber Abilajaj out of contract. Signing up Ilija Sivonjic could have real advantages. Although Sivonjic has had problems with injury and illness he has a fairly decent scoring record and could have be profitable if he finds his best form. Neither Rijeka or Lokomotiva saw that from him, but Zapresic are more suited.

HAJDUK SET FOR MORE CHANGE

Hajduk Split look set for another gruelling summer, after rarely challenging in the title race for the Croatian Championship. Dinamo Zagreb have ran away with the league yet again, leaving Hajduk under threat from a much improved Slaven Belupo for the runners up slot. Besides losing their coach Krasimir Balakov to the lure of the Bundesliga, Hajduk look likely to transfer all their top players who are well over due. Defender Mario Maloca needs to leave in order that he can advance, similarly does Ante Vukusic who is wanted in Ukraine, whilst Anas Sharbini is a target of VdE Hanover and has also been in HNL1 far too long.

Hajduk will still however have Mato Neretljak, Drago Gabric, Ivan Lendric and Srdjan Andric as a basis for new their side. Frustratingly Marijan Buljat, Hjorve Vejic, Josip Barisic, Kreso Ljubicic, Goran Jozinovic, Ivan Vukovic and Ahmad Sharbini make up a long list of players they no longer want, but can hardly afford to pay off. Jozinovic and Ahmad will find new clubs fairly easily in Croatia. Both are wanted by Istra 1961 who managed to keep their top flight status. Jozinovic is also a target of Zadar, who in Ivan Santini and Marin Tomasov have two players from which they can make money in order to re-recruit. Barisic meanwhile was a cheap and unneccessary signing from Sikori Briceg and is likely to command small wages for any new suitor.

Hajduk have had particular trouble paying off their former captain Hjorve Vejic, who is really ready to retire and normally would be in line for a coaching position. Arguably using Vejic as a squad player and not wasting money on Portuguese defender Ruben Lima and Japanese international Inoha would have made financial sense for Hajduk who after all departed European competition in the very first stage. A similar scenario has effected Ahmad Sharbini who many commentators say was not a player for Hajduk Split and should have been left alone with HNK Rijeka where he was a folk hero. Their are a number of players who fit perfectly in the Croatian league, but are unsuited to life abroad or in the big two. Ahmad is one of these such players alongside Zadar's Zelimir Terkes, Osijek's Goran Ljubojevic, Inter Zapresic's Mario Grgurovic and Istra's Asim Sehic. However once Hajduk signed Ahmad in such a league it would make sense to use the player in hope of making a sale. Hajduk once again poorly mismanaged by adding another under performing striker Ivan Vukovic to their squad, who they will also struggle to do anything with.

For this league Hajduk really should have looked at safe signings, who are high callabre at this level. Ivan Leko has been outstanding in Belgium and encouraging him back for one last forey would aid the teams midfield. In attack striker Mate Bilic is capable of firing over 20 goals in this level and at one time was more than happy to come. Sasa Bjelanovic is also a trusted performer with promotion seeking Italian Serie B clubs and would be potent in the Croatian league. Hajduk also missed the boat with obvious domestic players Mehmad Alispahic and Ivan Krstanovic when they were both available. Krstanovic especially has had a very good first season with Hajduk. Hajduk have also not really helped their young players with Franko Andriasejvic, Dinko Trebotic, Mario Ticinovic all finding themselves farmed out on line.

Hajduk however arent the only side to find themselves having made mistakes. Rijeka have had hard fixtures, but when they signed Ivan Bosnjak and Dino Drpic they didn't envisage relegation could be on the cards. Drpic is fine in centre back, but Bosnjak may be short on fitness for the forward line. Valentin Stepcic and Armando Mance are useful squad players, but have not been capable of giving Rijeka the much needed firepower. Ilija Sivonjic has also been injured for three quarters of the season. If Rijeka stay up they would be advised to re-sign Ahmad Sharbini and hope Bosnjak's conditioning improves for next season. Their Slovenian recruits Damir Cehic and Uros Pablirk appear to be mistakes and may return their former clubs at the end of the season. The club do have an asset on which they can rebuild. Damir Kreilach has been outstanding in midfield and may attract a offer over a 1 million Euro's. Rijeka wish Jurica Vranjes to replace him. The midfield and defence have been solid and two forwards seems where Hajduk need to find form. January target Bojan Golubovic would have been their answer, but transfered to Peatra Neamt in Romania and has scored 5 times, with 2 assists in just 9 matches. Lecha Gdansk banished forward Josip Tadic could provide a worthy gamble.

Osijek's season has also tailed off after such a fine start. Strikers Goran Ljubojevic and Josip Barisic both were sold in January leaving the team without their experience. Anton Maglica and Ivan Milicevic are promising, Tomislav Sorsa, Vedran Jugovic and Dino Gavric all performed well this season. However the team may well go back in for Ljubojevic to give them a cutting edge as he looks set to leave Targu Meres in the summer. Osijek had spoke of re-signing big reputation players such as Vranjes, Tadic and Josip Mikulic but don't have the financial clout to make that happen. More likely bringing back Jurica Pranjic, Josip Knezevic and Valenin Babic could prove worthwhile.

Inter Zapresic's sacking of coach Ilija Loncarevic and replacing him with Borimir Perkovic may suggest a change of tact. Loncarevic had held governance over team affairs for a long while and often his closeness to Dinamo Zagreb had helped the team become financially strong benefitting from the sales of Dodo, Antun Palic and Ilija Sivonjic all in recent years. At the same time Zapresic can take credit for aiding the careers of Dejan Lovren, Eduardo, Luka Modric and Vedran Corluka. In recent times however Dinamo have not needed Zapresic so much and have turned to Lokomotiva Zagreb to nurture their young prospects. Zapresic do still have a closeness, despite appearing to go it alone when doing deals for Matej Delac and Aleksandr Trajkovski. If anyone it would appear Zapresic need to sign up experienced players. Zapresic may have the answer for reviving Ilija Sivonjic, who has been trouble by health and injury problems. Dario Zahora could also prosper down here if Zapresic sell Arber Abilaljaj.