CSKA Moscow claim Nikola Vlasic wants to cut ties with Everton permanently.
Vlasic moved to the Russian capital on a season-long loan after struggling to assert himself during an underwhelming debut season at Goodison Park.
The midfielder scored twice in 19 appearances for the Blues but is enjoying a new lease of life with CSKA, where he has made 20 appearances to date.
He also scored in a Champions League win over Real Madrid and has helped the club to within four points of Zenit St Petersburg in the country’s Premier League.
CSKA’s chief executive Roman Babaev has revealed that the Croatia international is keen on remaining in Russia but admits that any deal is still some way off.
“Any communication with [Everton] is informal at the moment,” he told Sports.ru.
“But for us, the most important part is Nikola’s position. He would very much like to stay at CSKA.
“We understand that there are many clubs that would buy Vlasic right now. But until the summer the rental deal protects us.
“We will talk to them but business is business and if they receive a good offer why would they choose CSKA over another club? So the story is not easy.
“It is obviously unlikely that CSKA can pay the amount that is discussed in the press at the moment. Everton paid £10 million for Vlasic.
“They need at least that money to recapture the transfer. Furthermore, Nikola receives a lot of attention.”