Hamburg confirm interest in Jelavic

Bundesliga side Hamburger SV are interested in signing Everton striker Nikica Jelavic, according to club’s sporting director.

The Croatian striker seems to be nearing the exit door at Goodison Park, having lost his place in the side to Victor Anichebe at the end of last season.

With Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu arriving this summer, Jelavic is likely to be sold in order to make way for new players.

Bundesliga underachievers Hamburg are prepared to offer the striker an escape route from Goodison Park, with sporting director Oliver Kreuzer admitting they are keen on the player.

“A good man. When such a player is on the market, one should deal with the issue,” Kreuzer was quoted as saying in Sport Bild.

Nikica Jelavic enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Everton, scoring 9 goals in 13 Premier League appearances during the first six months at the club.

However, having scored just one league goal since December 2012, the 27-year-old is no longer considered an important member of the squad.