Transfer news: Leicester agree deal for Andrej Kramaric but striker's work permit in doubt
Monday 12 January 2015 19:13, UK
Leicester have agreed a deal to sign striker Andrej Kramaric from Croatian side HNK Rijeka for an undisclosed fee, although the player has still to obtain a work permit.
Kramaric has sorted out personal terms with the Foxes and passed a medical, but there remains some doubt about him meeting the necessary criteria to gain his work permit, and a hearing is scheduled for next week.
This means Kramaric, who will sign a deal to June 2018 if he is granted a work permit, will not be available for selection this weekend for Leicester's Premier League clash with Aston Villa.
Chelsea were also reported to be interested in signing Kramaric, who has scored 28 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions for Rijeka this season.
Leicester, who are lying bottom of the Premier League, currently have the likes of Leonardo Ulloa, David Nugent and Jamie Vardy as options in attack.
Kramaric joined Dinamo Zagreb as a six-year-old and made his debut at the age of 17 in 2009 before being shipped out on loan to Lokomotiva Zagreb, where he averaged nearly a goal every two games.
When Kramaric's return to Dinamo hit the rocks, Rijeka were quick to step in and secure his services in August 2013 - signalling the start of the most fruitful period in the striker's career and resulting in a full senior debut for Croatia.
Leicester manager Nigel Pearson remains hopeful they will receive the required clearance to sign Kramaric and is impressed he is prepared to join a club bottom of the Premier League table.
“The fact we have made our intentions pretty clear and worked hard to secure his signature is important,” said Pearson.
“It speaks volumes of the lad that he’s prepared to come to us in the situation it is at the moment.
“It’s really important for us to strengthen. Providing everything goes the way we’d like it to I think we have a pretty strong case, with his international status and form, internationally and at club level.
“He has represented Croatia at every level. Hopefully the very fact we have been prepared to go about securing the deal the way we have will be favourable to us.”