Liverpool have been given encouragement in their pursuit of a move for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic looks set to be on the market this summer, as his contract ticks into its final 12 months. And according to 90min, Liverpool are one of the sides ‘exploring’ striking a deal with their Premier League rivals.
The Reds reportedly see Jorginho’s January transfer to Arsenal as proof that Chelsea will do business with them.
As things stand, the official line appears to be that the Blues want Kovacic to stay and sign a new deal. However, the player and his representatives are said to be looking at different options.
To that end, Liverpool have emerged as a potential suitor. So too, 90min report, have Manchester United and Manchester City. It’s claimed that the three managers of those clubs – Jurgen Klopp, Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola – each see Kovacic as a ‘consummate professional.’
As a result, all three are reportedly looking into the prospect of signing the 28-year-old. Chelsea are supposedly desperate to avoid any player leaving for nothing over the next 18 months, and consequently could be open to a transfer.
Kovacic not top of Liverpool’s list
Kovacic to Liverpool is a potential transfer that has been gathering some pace over recent days. But no matter how many times it is reported, it doesn’t feel any more likely.
The only reason the Reds would target the Croatian is because of the price. He’s a good player with huge experience – Declan Rice even called him ‘incredible.’ But they could surely find a younger player who does a similar job.
Find that player, and he’s likely to cost more than a soon-to-be 29-year-old with a year left on his deal, though.
So, therein lies the attraction in the Croatia international. If Liverpool are able to bring in one or two of their top targets, perhaps Kovacic could be a little sweetener on top. A more cost-effective, stop-gap option while they assess for future windows.
Even in that secnario, a move still seems unlikely. Liverpool don’t tend to do stop-gap solutions. If they identify the player they want, they either go get him or sit on their hands if it isn’t possible.
Unfortunately, that same approach has now left them needing to do far too much in one window. Ultimately, it may mean that they have no choice but to bring in the Kovacic’s of the world. You feel something has to give in this one, but we sill can’t see it happening.
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