Santini to replace Cisse at Freiburg

Croatian striker Ivan Santini has agreed to join Freiburg on a six-month loan deal from NK Zadar.

Santini, 22, has been linked with several Bundesliga clubs, with Cologne previously believed to be leading the race for his signature.

But on Monday, Stale Solbakken’s side instead opted to sign forward Jong Tae-Se, leaving Freiburg open to negotiate a deal.

The transfer is understood to have been completed and will be officially announced on Tuesday.

The player will sign with Freiburg on a initial six-month loan, after which Freiburg have the option to buy out his contract with Zadar.

Having scored 10 goals in 16 appearances so far this season, the former Croatia Under-19 man will attempt to replace Freiburg’s leading goalscorer Papiss Cisse, who joined Newcastle on January 17.