Manchester City are interested in Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to The Mirror.
The outlet claims that City have approached La Liga giants Real Madrid with an enquiry about the midfield maestro, as their proposed move for Napoli midfielder Jorginho is stalling.
It is understood that the 24-year-old is one of the alternative options if the move for the Italian fails to go through, along with Juventus’ Miralem Pjanic and Southampton star Mario Lemina.
The 5ft 8in midfielder made only 21 appearances in La Liga for the Spanish giants last season, assisting two goals (TransferMarkt).
The report also reveals that Pep Guardiola’s side have already agreed personal terms with Jorginho, but they are still in negotiations regarding the fee, which has led to the club sounding out other targets.
Good move for Manchester City?
This would be a very good signing for City.
The Real Madrid midfielder has tremendous talent and would fit into Pep Guardiola’s style of play perfectly.
The 24-year-old has great passing ability and can dribble past opponents at will, attributes that Guardiola likes in his midfield players.
However, the side currently needs a defensive midfielder and although Kovavic can play in that position, they really need someone who has that defensive mindset and for all the attributes the Croatian has, he doesn’t have that.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
The longer that their reported move for Jorginho rumbles on with no update from either side, the more likely the Kovacic transfer becomes.
It may get to a point where Man City have to give up and move to other targets, with the former Inter Milan player on the list of alternatives for Guardiola this summer.
If that happens, Real Madrid would then have to agreed to sell, which is not easy. The player also needs to want to move to The Etihad and he may not want to leave the Spanish capital.
This move depends on a lot of things falling into place at the right time.
This is Futbol rating 5/10