Torino boss Ivan Juric has played Nikola Vlasic in a new position, but according to Tuttosport, the Granata are still unsure about signing the Croat from West Ham permanently, so they could ask for a discount from the Hammers.
The Croatia international made an immediate impact at the Stadio Grande Torino after his loan move from West Ham last summer. Vlasic scored four goals and delivered two assists in his opening 14 Serie A matches. However, his individual form has been poor after the World Cup as he only managed one assist in the following 13 league games.
His compatriot Juric, who remains a big admirer of Vlasic, has therefore used him in a new role lately.
The Croatia international played as a deep-lying playmaker in an away 1-0 win over Lazio on Saturday, while he had normally been deployed as an attacking midfielder in his first seven months with the Granata.
According to Tuttosport, Vlasic’s highs and lows mean Torino are unsure about signing him permanently at the end of the season. They have an option to buy for €13m, but Torino are expected to ask for a discount from the Hammers.
Juric hopes Vlasic will continue with the Granata next season as he revealed in one of his latest press conferences.
“I prefer having as many players as possible with whom I’ve worked,” the coach said on April 7 on the eve of a Serie A game with Roma.
“When you work with them for a year, they often tend to improve in the following season. The more players we confirm, the better.”