Balakhnin has quashed the rumours linking Pletikosa to club AS Monaco and revealed his interest in bringing a quality midfielder during this transfer window.
FC Rostov head coach, Sergei Balakhnin, has denied the reports linking his first team goalkeeper, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Stipe-Pletikosa-c34234, with the French Ligue 2 side, AS Monaco.
The Selmashi had signed the Croatian goalkeeper from Spartak Moscow, on a two-year contract, during the last transfer window. Pletikosa spent a season-long loan spell with Tottenham Hotspur before joining the Russian outfit.
But an unfortunate knee injury in his debut English Premier League campaign coupled with lack of first team football had forced the Croatian national to make a move back to the Russian Premier League.
The promising shot-stopper had himself admitted that he chose Rostov above the other available options, last summer.
“I had some offers from http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926, Greece, and Scotland, but I decided to choose a place where I can play at least. It’s the most important thing for me, especially as the Euro 2012 is near.” The former Hajduk Split player was quoted
as saying.
It is now reported that Monaco have stepped up their pursuit to sign the 33-year-old from Rostov.
Following Yevgeny Smolentsev's appointment as the French outfit’s sporting director, the person who brought Pletikosa to the Moscow-based club from Shakhtar Donetsk during his stay with the Myaso, is keen to give the Croatian another
chance.
However, Pletikosa’s agent, Marko Naletilic, has denied that his client will be leaving http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/FC-Rostov-c39192 any time soon.
“Pletikosa has no intention to leave the club. Stipe is considered a key player at Rostov. Thus I don’t see any problems over his future.” Naletilic said
In the meanwhile, Balakhnin has further dented the speculations by saying: “As far as I know, Pletikosa will play with us."
Balakhnin revealed that the Croatian goalkeeper has a bright future with the Russian outfit and tipped him to focus on his fitness.
Speaking on the January transfer window, the Russian tactician revealed that he is looking for a midfielder.
“I would like to buy another man in the middle line. But a quality performer is extremely difficult to find.” Balakhnin said.
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