The Tigers are keen to bring in the exciting winger to bolster their attacking ranks this summer
Marco Pasalic in action for Croatia against Ghana in Philadelphia(Image: Terence Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Hull City are open to signing Marco Pašalić from Orlando City after the winger caught the eye during Croatia’s World Cup campaign earlier this summer.
The 25-year-old, who was born in Germany, has emerged as one of the Tigers’ transfer targets with Sergej Jakirovic keen to bring him across the Atlantic and to the Premier League.
Reports emerged in Croatia on Monday evening suggesting the Tigers had agreed an initial €7m (£6m) move with the MLS club, but Hull Live understands those reports are premature, and no deal has yet been agreed.
Discussions are expected to continue in the hope of being able to strike a deal for the highly-rated right-sided attacker, with Jakirovic a big fan, but at this stage, nothing is set in stone.
Pašalić played under Jakirovic at Rijeka prior to the City boss taking over at Dinamo Zagreb and caught the eye at the Stadion Rujevica, before earning his €5m (£4.2m) move to Orlando, where he’s scored 17 goals and claimed six assists in 52 outings.
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He played in all three of Croatia’s group games, including a cameo off the bench in the 4-2 defeat to England before impressing in the win over Panama.
Jakirovic has spoken about his desire to be reunited with Toni Fruk and Rokas Pukštas, as well as Pašalić, but at this stage, it’s understood Pašalić is the live deal.
“For example, we put Toni Fruk and Rokas Pukštas on the list from HNL,” Jakirovic said. “Both times, we didn’t get the (Arbër) Hoxha I wanted earlier. Marco Pašalić is also an option for me for the right wing. I like to say that these are players I have maximum confidence in, who will jump off a building on their heads if necessary.
“However, that doesn’t mean that I would bring someone in just because we know each other and because we are compatriots. That’s not even a coincidence. Basically, the club hierarchy is respected, and there should be a consensus in the club for every name. We’ll see.”
City have also been linked with a move for Brazilian-born midfielder Metinho. The 23-year-old, once dubbed the ‘Brazilian Pogba’ plays for Swiss club Basel, and is believed to be attracting interest from a flurry of clubs, however, despite reports suggesting the Tigers are interested, it’s thought he’s not a current target at this stage.
Meanwhile, experienced Belgian defender Thomas Meunier is set to sign for Sunderland. The experienced defender had held talks with the Tigers, but reports suggest he’s destined to link up with Granit Xhaka at the Stadium of Light.
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