At the end of February The Sun reported that Everton have been scouting Gent’s Lovre Kalinic and were at the forefront of the chase for the player. Everton were said to lead the chase and be ‘poised for a swoop’, and whilst that may be typical inflation of the story it’s believable that Everton have interest in the goalkeeper.
Kalinic himself has this week been quoted explaining he was disappointed not to get the move: “I couldn’t get a work permit for England. Croatia have only been a European Union member since 2013 and in the first seven years after accession, you still need a work permit. I did not get that licence because I do not have enough caps for my country. Whether I was disappointed? Yes.”
It goes without saying that if Kalinic was disappointed at losing out on joining Championship Aston Villa, he’d jump at the chance to join Everton.
But would they be able to get a work permit?
Three appearances for Croatia this season would surely help, as would Kalinic now having racked up Europa League experience with Gent, but with the new points system it could all come down to the fee Everton would be prepared to pay and what wages the player is offered.
