Jump directly to the content
Gossip
all kova

Real Madrid ‘reject £70million bid from Juventus for Mateo Kovacic’ — as Zinedine Zidane insists Croatia ace is ‘not for sale’

Central midfielder, 23, started both legs of the Spanish Super Cup and expertly man-marked Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp

Zinedine Zidane insists Mateo Kovacic is not for sale at Real Madrid

Sponsored by

REAL MADRID have rejected an offer of around £70million from Juventus for Mateo Kovacic, according to reports in Spain.

The young Croat seemingly appeared to be heading out of the door earlier in the summer, as Los Blancos looked to free up funds to launch a bid for Kylian Mbappe.

 Zinedine Zidane insists Mateo Kovacic is not for sale at Real Madrid
5
Zinedine Zidane insists Mateo Kovacic is not for sale at Real MadridCredit: EPA
 Mateo Kovacic did expert man-marking job on Lionel Messi in Nou Camp clash
5
Mateo Kovacic did expert man-marking job on Lionel Messi in Nou Camp clashCredit: Reuters

However, now report they have turned down a massive offer from the Serie A champions.

And boss Zinedine Zidane insists he is not for sale.

Kovacic joined from Inter Milan in 2015 and was thought to be the future at Real Madrid, but his progress was somewhat hindered by the emergence of Casemiro in central midfield.

Yet, he started both legs of the Spanish Super Cup Clasicos against Barcelona, and expertly man-marked Lionel Messi at the Nou Camp.

Zidane has rotated his squad to great success during his incredible 17 months at Real Madrid — with the famed ‘B team’ being reserved for many La Liga games.

Kovacic is one of the stars of the supposed second string but, as Isco showed toward the end of the previous campaign, the opportunity to break into the first team is there.

 

 Mateo Kovacic keeps Luis Suarez close during Super Cup clash at Bernabeu
5
Mateo Kovacic keeps Luis Suarez close during Super Cup clash at BernabeuCredit: AP:Associated Press

Juventus moved on and have now signed Blaise Matuidi after being priced out of a move for the 23-year-old.

Tottenham, who have been very quiet on the transfer front this summer, with the recent arrival Davinson Sanchez their only acquisition, had looked at Kovacic earlier in the window.

His wage demands would have fit in with Spurs’ strict structure.

However, they would not be willing to pay the astronomical fee.

 Mateo Kovacic duels with Lionel Messi at the Bernabeu in Spanish Super Cup
5
Mateo Kovacic duels with Lionel Messi at the Bernabeu in Spanish Super CupCredit: Getty Images
 Croatia internationals Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric with Champions League
5
Croatia internationals Mateo Kovacic and Luka Modric with Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

🚨 EXCLUSIVE OFFER: Premier League Top Goalscorer 🚨

ROMELU LUKAKU has come in to 2/1 to finish as the Premier League top scorer.

scored twice against West Ham on Sunday to put an immediate market down in the Golden Boot race.

Harry Kane, who has NEVER scored a goal in August, .

And there is value to be had in Alexandre Lacazette.

even after scoring on his debut against Leicester last week.

Sun Bets have a blinding special offer for top scorer.

If you bet £25 on any player to top the table at the end of the season, they'll give a £5 free bet for every game he scores in until October.

The offer is valid until midnight August 27 and is open to ALL customers.



Keep up to date with all the latest news, gossip, rumours and done deals in SunSport's live transfer blog


Topics