Real Madrid agree Kovacic fee with Inter Milan

The Croatian star had been strongly linked with a move to Liverpool earlier this summer but the Reds chose to go down other avenues and instead moved for Hoffenheim’s Roberto Firmino.

By Fabrizio Romano Real Madrid are closing in on the signing of Inter central midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a fee in the region of €35 million.

That would then leave the door open for us to sign Asier Illarramendi, who has been linked with us on and off all summer – as The Telegraph report – and would be even further down the pecking order at the Bernabeu.

The Croatia global, 21, has impressed at San Siro over the last two-and-a-half seasons and is top of Rafa Benitez’s wishlist as he looks to strengthen his midfield.

Kovacic is said to be extremely interested in a move to the Spanish giants, and his signing will be made official once contract negotiations have been concluded.

However, despite Gerrard’s departure, Liverpool have considerable options in the heart of the midfield, and Kovacic would have to compete with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, Joe Allen, James Milner and Lucas Leiva for a starting berth.

Still, plenty for Rodgers and the Liverpool supporters to mull over as the transfer windows enters its final fortnight, and the slightest hint that we might still have something to get excited about.