Mateo Kovacic set for Real Madrid – reports

Media reports in Italy have suggested Inter Milan playmaker Mateo Kovacic is set to move to Real Madrid imminently.

The Croatia international has been linked with Premier League side Liverpool all summer with the UK press claiming Reds boss Brendan Rodgers was prepared to pay 25 million euros to secure his services.

But Italian sports paper Gazzetta dello Sport says Real have trumped Liverpool with a 30 million euro offer that has been accepted. While the clubs have agreed a fee, the paper says, no official confirmation will be made until Kovacic has agreed a contract with the 10-time Champions League winners.

The attacking midfielder is believed to be keen on a move to the Spanish capital where he will link up will fellow Croatia international and mentor Luka Modric. According to Gazzetta, the Real hierarchy see Kovacic as the long-term successor to Modric and want him to play for the next few years with him and learning from him.

Since breaking into the Inter first team two years ago, the youngster has made more than 80 appearances for the Seria A giants.

The deal may not be the last of the business between Real and Inter this summer, as Rafa Benitez’ former club are said to be interested in taking Fabio Coentrao to the San Siro.