Everton are keeping close tabs on 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid Anton Matkovic, who also has interest from other European clubs.
Fabrizio Romano points towards Everton’s growing interest in 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid Anton Matkovic. The NK Osijek youngster has not yet played for the first team, but his growing importance at the Croatian club has attracted the attention of many clubs, with the Toffees reportedly keeping close tabs.
Everton are in an indifferent position with their finances and future planning. Massive accumulated debts and financial fair play restrictions have ensured the Toffees have restricted their funding in the transfer market, with the spending only coming down to critical needs in the squad.
Director of Football Kevin Thelwell could not spend on bringing in players, as those background troubles prevented him from getting stars that would have improved their position. During the summer, Everton desperately needed a striker and left it very late to sign Beto from Udinese.
In truth, Everton and Thelwell are increasingly likely to enter the youth market and raid other academies for their promising star. They have already registered interest in several players in a younger category, with Brazilian attacker and Corintians’ 18-year-old star Wesley Gassova on their shortlist.
🇭🇷 Interest growing in 17 year old Croatian talent Anton Matkovic. NK Osijek striker, attracting important clubs from Europe – understand Everton are monitoring him.
Also RB Salzburg and Sassuolo are interested, no time for decision yet but one to watch for sure. pic.twitter.com/Za5VsCXc7b
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 5, 2023
Similarly, they are also looking at Nurnberg teenager Can Uzun, which shows Everton would like to integrate some young, rising stars into their academy and then go from there. The possibilities are many, as the Toffees will either look to promote these stars into the first team in coming years or sell them for a profit, as the idea ticks all boxes.
Now, they are reportedly keeping tabs on Anton Matkovic, the highly-rated NK Osijek striker. The 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid is yet to play for the first team but has already made it to the matchday squad on several occasions.
Everton are among the teams interested, as per Fabrizio Romano, who also named RB Salzburg and Sassuolo among other suitors. The Toffees are constantly monitoring his situation closely and could decide on approaching if their observers return with favourable results. \
For Everton, if they are keen to snap him up, then an early agreement would benefit their case. Prolonging a deal might bring other sides into the mix for the 17-year-old Croatian wonderkid, which could further complicate the chase for the Toffees,
