Report: AC Milan scout Mateo Kovacic

AC Milan reportedly sent scouts to watch Croatian international Mateo Kovacic in action for Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Milan were strongly linked with a move for the 22-year-old in the summer, but Real Madrid ultimately rejected the interest due to their transfer ban, which has since been upheld.

However, according to La Repubblica, Milan are confident of convincing his employers to sell in the January transfer window and watched Kovacic in action their 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Kovacic largely struggled to gain a regular spot in the Real Madrid XI last season, but he has already made 15 appearances this term after taking advantage of midfield injuries for Los Blancos.