CSKA Moscow coach confirms Vlasic wants to force Milan move: “Everyone knows the situation”

CSKA Moscow’s head coach has seemingly confirmed that Nikola Vlasic is trying to force an exit, but also insisted the club will not back down.

Yesterday, CSKA Moscow played their last pre-season friendly and Vlasic remained on the bench. He didn’t even take part in the warm-up and with their season set to start in a week, it is a strong indicator that something is not right between the parties.

Calciomercato.com reported that the Milan management have a strong interest in Vlasic and have even made an offer of €5m paid loan plus €20m option to buy plus bonuses, with CSKA asking for €30m but above all the obligation to redeem.

Vlasic was interviewed at the end of the match by reporters, who asked him for answers about his future, he replied with a very simple: “I don’t know.” This, the report adds, suggests more than a few cracks in his relationship with the CSKA.

CSKA Moscow coach Aleksei Berezutski was asked about the rumours that Vlasic had asked not to play, and he did confirm that he wants to leave.

“Everyone knows the situation. Nikola said many times that he wants to change club and play at a higher level. This is normal and this is football,” he said (via RSport).

“But Vlasic and his entourage must understand – no one will be let go for free. He costs a lot of money. He has a release clause. For such a situation the club is completely ready.”

The next few days will be decisive, it seems.