NIKOLA Kalinic is being tracked by several Premier League clubs but Blackburn Rovers will only be tempted into selling him if they can recoup most of the £6million paid for him in August 2009.
The 23-year-old Croatian international’s Ewood Park future is shrouded in uncertainty after being frozen out of first team action last season but Rovers are not prepared to let the striker leave for a ‘bargain’ price.
Former Rovers boss Sam Allardyce bought Kalinic from Hajduk Split for £6m two summers ago but limited opportunities have seen him unable to make the impact hoped from him.
Kalinic’s frustrations grew towards the end of last campaign after being continually left out of the squad by manager Steve Kean leaving a summer exit looking inevitable.
The striker, who is at Rovers’ pre-season training camp in Austria, is determined to prove he can be a Premier League hit but fears he will not get the opportunities to make his point if he stays at Rovers Sources close to the player have told the Lancashire Telegraph he wants to stay in England but believe the asking price could put potential suitors off, leaving him in limbo next season.
Rovers are currently in the market for a new striker, possibly two, and with Benjani expected to sign a new deal imminently to join Jason Roberts, Ruben Rochina, Junior Hoilett and Mauro Formica among Kean’s striking options, Kalinic’s chances are set to remain limited.
Kalinic is more than happy to remain at Rovers if he gets more first team starts next campaign but fears a repeat of last season would start affecting his international prospects.
Kean though is in no rush to sell the Croatian and hopes he can make more of an impression to force his way back into contention.
Talks have been held between the club and Kalinic’s representatives although his future remains uncertain with them only prepared to even listen to offers at the right price.
Contrary to reports there has been never been a bust up between Kalinic and the club although the player was disappointed at his lack of action last time around.
Club sources have suggested Kalinic has struggled to integrate with the rest of the squad but, with two years left on his current deal, Rovers are determined not to lose out on the striker in the transfer market.
Kalinic has scored 13 goals for Rovers in 53 appearances, including just 36 starts, and made his last appearance for the club at the end of February.
Rovers have had no official bids for him but sources close to the player believe there are a number of English clubs monitoring his situation.
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