Spurs And Man Utd Gun For Real Madrid Ace
Utd's interest may hurt Tottenham's chances.
HITC.com and Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo are both reporting that Man Utd have entered the race to sign Real Madrid midfield man Mateo Kovačić.
Mundo Deportivo had previously said that Tottenham Hotspur boss Mauricio Pochettino views Kovačić as the perfect man to solidify his midfield next season. Now, fresh reports on Utd's interests threaten Spurs pursuit of the player.
Fellow Spanish source El Fichajes have claimed that Real may let the 24-year old Croatian go to England for as little as £24.5 million. In today's market, that's a steal for a young midfielder of genuine quality, and the fact Kovačić plays as a defensive midfielder will appeal to both Spurs and United.
If interest in Mousa Dembele grows, then Pochettino will be eager to replace him with a younger model. Similarly, José Mourinho has a gap to fill at Old Trafford now Michael Carrick has retired from first-team action to become a coach.
Though Kovačić fits the bill for both Premier League rivals, the report from HITC suggested that it's the Manchster club who hold the advantage in this transfer battle.