Man Utd Told They Can Sign Want-Away World Cup Star In £80m Deal This Summer

There is lots of Manchester United-related gossip doing the rounds in the newspapers with the Red Devils linked with a whole host of star names. Today, the latest on United’s pursuit of Mateo Kovacic…

Manchester United have been told by Real Madrid they will sell unsettled midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer but only if £80m is put on the table, according to reports via the Sun.

Kovacic came through the youth system at Dinamo Zagreb and developed in to one of the most highly-rated young midfielders in Europe after he was snapped-up by Inter Milan in 2013 before earning a dream move to Madrid two years later.

However, his time at the Bernabeu has been a disappointment as Kovacic has struggled to hold down a regular first team place and was restricted to just 10 La Liga starts last season with Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro keeping him out of the side.

The 24-year-old has won 3 Champions League’s and 1 La Liga title during his time with Madrid but despite the trophies he’s grown increasingly frustrated with his bit-part role at the club.

Kovacic admitted earlier this month in an explosive interview that he feels it’s time for him to leave Madrid as he needs to be playing regular first team football. He’s quoted as saying by the Sun:

“I want to play more and the best thing is to leave Madrid. I love football and being on the pitch, I want the opportunity to be a starter for another team.

“I think that in Real Madrid all the players are important. The problem is that for a young player it is difficult to have continuity and without that continuity I will never be able to show my potential. When I do not play, I am not happy.

“These three years in Madrid, with some incredible team-mates, winning trophies… but I have not been completely happy because my contribution to all that has not been the maximum and it’s something I want to change.

“I’ve been in Madrid for three years and I have not played too much and that’s something that has affected my status in the national team. It’s something that does not make me happy, that’s why it’s best to change teams.”

The situation has alerted clubs here in England as Kovacic has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks and the Sun are now citing a report from the Daily Star that claims Madrid have named their price.

However, the midfielder won’t be allowed to leave on the cheap as the newspaper says the European champions have told suitors they are ready to cash-in on Kovacic but only if their £80m asking price is met.

Man Utd obviously have the money to meet that valuation and Kovacic showed his talent at the World Cup after helping Croatia reach their first ever final where they were eventually beaten 4-2 by France on Sunday afternoon.

READ–> Man Utd ready to launch £28m defender bid

I think Kovacic would be a great addition, however, Jose Mourinho has already splashed out big money on Fred this summer so it remains to be seen whether United chiefs will sanction £80m on another central midfielder.