Borussia Dortmund make first step in race for Croatia international

Borussia Dortmund have reportedly launched a formal offer for Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj, Plaza Deportiva reports.

The Croatian international had been targeted by Valencia but it appears as though new BVB manager Peter Bosz is also keen on the 28-year-old, who could be at the centre of a bidding war.

Badelj has made it clear that he does not wish to extend his current deal with the Viola, which expires in 2018, meaning he is likely to be available for a cut price this summer, bringing an end to a two-and-a-half year spell in Florence.

The Bundesliga outfit are believed to have tested the waters with an offer of €5m but the report claims Fiorentina are holding out for a fee of €8m.

Over the last two Serie A seasons Badelj has won possession in the middle third more than any other teammate and the sixth most in Italy’s top-flight (236) in that time.