Real Madrid have reportedly agreed a deal with Inter Milan for Croatian playmaker Mateo Kovacic, worth around €32 million excluding extras.
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According to reports, the clubs were in talks on the weekend past, with the player sitting out his club's friendly against AEK Athens on Sunday.
Kovacic, who was a Liverpool target earlier this summer, agreed personal terms with Los Blancos soon after the two clubs reached an agreement.
Inter initially claimed the playmaker would not leave for less than €35 million, a fee the Anfield club was not prepared to pay.
The player's agent, Mario Mamic, believes the transfer will go through this week, with the Croatian set to have a medical on Monday.
Inter Milan manager Roberto Mancini confirmed the sale of Kovacic after the friendly against AEK and also justified the sale.
"There are rules in place, the Financial Fair Play rules, and we have to obey them. We're sorry but that's how it is," he told AS.
"The sale of Kovacic and (Xherdan) Shaqiri will allow us to add to the team at some point further down the line."
The midfielder is believed to have modelled his game on Spanish legend Andres Iniesta and joined Inter Milan in 2013.
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Kovacic has made 80 appearances for Inter Milan and has scored five goals, while assisting with 10 more strikes.
Do you think Kovacic is the type of player Real Madrid currently require? Have your say in the comments section below.
