Manchester United face competition from Inter Milan for Mateo Kovacic?

Manchester United will reportedly have to do battle with Inter Milan if they are to secure the signature of Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

United, who were understood to be the frontrunners for the Croatian's services at one point, have, according to Tuttosport, been pegged back by Italian side Inter, who are now leading the chase.

The source says that Inter are now in a prime position to make an offer to take Kovacic back to San Siro.

Kovacic spent two years with the Serie A outfit before joining the Spanish giants in 2015, where the 23-year-old has fallen down Zinedine Zidane's pecking order.

The Croat has made five substitute appearances in La Liga for Madrid this term, while starting two of the club's Champions League group stage games.