Manchester United have reportedly offered Real Madrid €60million for midfielder Mateo Kovacic, as Jose Mourinho looks to increase his midfield options.
The 24-year-old formed part of the Croatia squad that made it to the World Cup final in Russia this summer, though he started just one match in the competition, appearing off the bench in four others.
Kovacic has endured similar struggles for playing time at club level with Real Madrid, despite picking up three Champions League winners’ medals in his time with the Spanish giants.
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During his three years in the Spanish Capital, Kovacic has made 73 appearances for the team and scored just the one solitary goal, in what has been a largely frustrating spell for the young star.
He was largely used as a back-up or utility player by former boss Zinedine Zidane and according to Marca, he favours a move away from Madrid in search of regular playing time.
Marca also states that Manchester United have been quick to pounce on the midfielder’s current situation and tabled a €60million bid for Real to mull over.
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho has already signed Brazilian midfielder Fred this summer, but Kovacic could bring a different dimension to the team in the middle of the park with his aggressive and dynamic style of play.
It seems, however, that for the time being Kovacic is not keen on the prospect of a move to Old Trafford due to the team’s playing style, according to Marca, who add that Madrid will look to keep hold of him.
United fans will certainly not be too happy, however, to see Mourinho’s playing style putting off prospective targets who could improve the side.
For a club so well renowned for such a long time for playing ambitious and attacking football, it would no doubt hurt if a player like Kovacic felt he couldn’t join them because he wasn’t enchanted by the way they currently set themselves up.