Report: Mateo Kovacic close to Real Madrid switch

Real Madrid are reportedly close to completing a deal for Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatian international had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, but was then thought to be keen on staying at the San Siro.

However, Gazetta dello Sport claims that Los Merengues have made a €30m (£21.3m) move for the 21-year-old.

Liverpool's interest in Kovacic is thought to have cooled since the Reds signed Brazilian international Roberto Firmino from Hoffenheim.

Kovacic joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb in 2013.