Croatian goalkeeper Lovre Kalinic has revealed he turned down moves from Everton and Watford in the summer, considering it too early to move to the Premier League.

Kalinic, who plays for Gent, only joined the Belgian side in January from Hajduk Split in his home country, but attracted attention with a string of good performances in the club's Europa League run.

That caught the eye of the Hornets, who looked to bring the nine-cap international stopper to Hertfordshire, only to be knocked back by a lack of interest.

The 27-year-old would have fit the Pozzo bill of having re-sale value and room to improve, having made the breakthrough at Hajduk four years ago and winning Belgium's goalkeeper of the year award this summer.

In the end, Watford opted for Greek number one Orestis Karnezis on transfer deadline day, but the 32-year-old is yet to make his debut for the club.

Speaking to Belgian newspaper HLN, Kalinic said: “I know that Everton and Watford wanted me.

“But I never talked to anyone about it. Besides, I've even told my agent that I do not have to know such things because I have another four-year contract at Gent.

“Of course I'm still dreaming of the Premier League, but I'm never going to put pressure on my agent or club.

“Like everyone else, I'm following my own path – I'm not old yet. Maybe I'll go to the Premier League next summer, or in four years, or never. That's also possible.”