Chelsea swoop for Hajduk's Pasalic

LONDON, July 09, 2014 - Chelsea signed teenage Croatian midfielder Mario Pasalic from Hajduk Split for an undisclosed fee on Wednesday.

Pasalic was due to join up with Jose Mourinho's squad for their first pre-season training session later on Wednesday after arriving at the Premier League club's Cobham head-quarters.

The 19-year-old is regarded as a dynamic young talent and has already featured in his country's Under-21 team.

He was also named in Croatia's provisional 30-man World Cup squad, but didn't make the final cut for the tournament in Brazil and has yet to make his senior international debut.

"I am very happy because I am now a Chelsea player," Pasalic told Chelsea's website.

"I am very impressed by the training ground and I must thank everybody at Hajduk. This is now a new start in my career.

"I am a central midfielder, my favourite player is Frank Lampard, and so I am very happy to be a Chelsea player."

The German-born youngster came to Chelsea's attention after enjoying a fine first full season in senior football during 2013-14.

He scored 11 times in 36 appearances in all competitions and helped Hajduk to a third-place finish in the Croatian league.

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