Real swoops for Inter’s Croat midfielder Kovacic
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CROATIAN midfielder Mateo Kovacic has joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan on a six-year deal, the Spanish giant confirmed yesterday.
“Real Madrid and Inter Milan have agreed the transfer of Mateo Kovacic, who will be tied to the club for the next six seasons,” Real said.
According to reports in the Spanish media the 10-time European champion will pay up to 35 million euros (US$38.9 million) for the 21-year-old.
He will be presented to the club’s fans today after undergoing a medical.
Kovacic began his career in his homeland with Dinamo Zagreb before moving to Inter two years ago, where he scored eight goals in 97 appearances. However, Inter coach Roberto Mancini admitted earlier this week that financial fair play pressures had forced the Serie A side into selling one of its prized assets.
Kovacic will link up with Croatia teammate Luka Modric at the Bernabeu, but is likely to find a starting place hard to come by despite his lofty price tag with competition for places in midfield fierce given the presence of James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Isco.
His arrival should open the exit door for Asier Illarramendi after two disappointing seasons at the club with the Basque midfielder linked with a move to Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Valencia will not let the unresolved future of Argentina center back Nicolas Otamendi distract it from today’s Champions League playoff first leg at home to Monaco, coach Nuno has said.
Otamendi, 27, a fierce tackler who is also strong in the air, is poised to join Manchester City for 45 million euros, Spanish media reported yesterday.
Nuno did not confirm a deal had been reached but said an announcement would come soon. “There is nothing more important than the Monaco match,” the Portuguese said.
“We have been preparing for the game for days without the option of Otamendi. The players are exclusively focused on the opponent.”
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