Everton are set to finalise a deal for Croatian defender Danijel Pranjic.

The left-back will replace Leighton Baines, who is expected to join Manchester United this summer.

Pranjic was close to joining compatriot Nikica Jelavic at Goodison Park in January but his former club Bayern Munich blocked the move.

The 31-year-old is now a free agent after his contract at the Bundesliga Liga giants expired and Pranjic is keen to complete a move to Merseyside as soon as possible.

“I am honoured that such a successful coach wants to sign me, and would be honoured to play for a club like Everton with such a rich history,” Pranjic Sportske Novosti.

“We were very close to completing a deal in January, but then Bayern prevented it going through. I can’t say that everything is finished, but next week I’m expecting some concrete developments.

“I’m hungry to play again, to fight with my team-mates for success, to play for the fans. I missed all that sitting on the bench at Bayern.

“I’m 31 years old and physically I feel perfect. I have reached my maturation point as a player and as a person, and I think I’m capable of producing the best form of my caree.

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