Spurs Transfers: €25 Million Bid For Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic
Spurs look to Kovacic after Barkley deal stalls.
Tottenham are among the teams interested in signing Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic, according to Spanish publication AS.
It is reported that Mauricio Pochettino's side tabled an opening bid of €25m, which the Spanish side promptly rejected amid interest from Italian sides Milan, Napoli and the player's former side Inter.
Spurs have spent most of the summer tracking Everton midfielder Ross Barkley, but appear to have cooled their interest after balking at the Toffees' £50m asking price.
And Kovacic, who may struggle to find minutes in Real Madrid's star-studded midfield next season, could be a cheaper alternative.
The 23-year-old had already faced intense competition from the likes of Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and the addition of Dani Ceballos this summer looks likely to reduce his chances of playing even further.
Despite reinforcing his squad, Zinedine Zidane is said to be high on the Croatian international, who cost the Galacticos €29m two years ago.
But a substantial bid could persuade the European champions to change their stance, and Spurs are expected to spend this summer after receiving a windfall from the sale of Kyle Walker to Man City.