According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Mateo Kovacic has asked new manager Julen Lopetegui to let him leave Real Madrid this summer.
This news will come as music to Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino’s ears as he is reportedly a long-time admirer of Kovacic.
Kovacic, a Croatia international, met Lopetegui for talks and informed the 51-year-old he is “determined” to quit the club as he wants to play regularly. The 24-year-old has won nine trophies since moving to Madrid from Inter Milan three summers ago but has enjoyed very little game time.
Kovacic has found himself behind the likes of Casemiro, Toni Kroos and countryman Luka Modric, playing just 21 La Liga games last season. In all, he has made 109 appearances across all competitions in his three seasons in the Spanish capital.
Spanish news outlet AS claimed less than a month ago that Tottenham were one of the five clubs to have enquired about signing the Croatia international.
It has been a frustrating summer transfer window for Tottenham, to say the least as we are yet to sign a single player. However, if Pochettino is genuinely interested in Kovacic, then he should definitely go all out to land the midfield ace this summer.
Kovacic could be the perfect player to add dynamism to our midfield. He is a strong box-to-box midfielder but his versatility means the 24-year-old can be used in a variety of roles at our club. The Croatian has won a league title and three Champions League crowns at Madrid, meaning he will bring a winning mentality and a lot of pedigree to our club.
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As per Marca, Real value Kovacic at a pretty reasonable sum of €50million. Our club should not hesitate to pay that sort of fee for such a sublime talent with sky-high potential. Kovacic is just 24 and certainly has his best years ahead of him.