Brighton's £35m target told transfer truth ahead of Harry Kane World Cup test
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Croatia boss Zlatko Dalic says Brighton transfer target Luka Vuskovic must play regularly as he plots his next move.
Tottenham have rejected two bids from the Seagulls for Vuskovic, who is expected to feature for Croatia tonight in the World Cup opener against England.
Vuskovic, 19, is one of the most highly rated young defenders in European football and impressed last season while on loan at Hamburg.
Tottenham have just completed the £52m signing of defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and two clubs could trade once again as Brighton consider a third bid of around £35m for Vuskovic.
Vuskovic will prove himself
"He has had a great season, he has got a lot of potential," said Dalic ahead of Croatia's clash with England, where Vuskovic is set to be up against the likes of Harry Kane.
“He is smart, he thinks in a difficult position. We will see what we can do with him against England.
“I believe that he will prove himself at the World Cup.
“For him, the most important thing is to find a club where he will continue to play, but Croatia has a great player in him for the next 15 years.”
Brighton need to sign a centre back
The departure of Van Hecke - who started 36 from 38 Premier League matches last term - will accelerate Brighton’s need for a new centre back. Skipper Lewis Dunk will turn 35 next season and Olivier Boscagli and Diego Coppola remain largely untested in the Premier League.
The experienced Adam Webster was allowed to leave this summer and Brazilian defender Igor Julio is also expected to depart this window.
Brighton have also been linked with England under-21 defender Charlie Cresswell. The 23-year-old is currently impressing at Ligue 1 club Toulouse.