Leicester City have moved a step closer to completing the club-record signing of Andrej Kramaric after the Football Association backed the striker’s work permit application.
The 23-year-old Croatia international's record - he has only four caps to his name - did not meet the criteria for an automatic permit, but the Foxes argued his "exceptional quality" would enhance the English game.
Leicester officials made their case in front of a six-man FA panel which decided to endorse the application.
The FA’s endorsement will now be a crucial factor when Leicester make a formal application to the UK Border Agency for a work permit for Kramaric, who has scored 28 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for Croatian side HNK Rijeka this season.
Once the work permit is granted, Kramaric’s move – he will cost Leicester in excess of £9m – will be made official.
He has already agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half-year deal and passed a medical.