The Reds move for Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic has taken another step closer this weekend, with reports in Italy confirming that our representatives have met with Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio to negotiate a deal.
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Liverpool transfer news
According to Caliciomercato, the signing of the 21-year-old Croatian is a key priority for Brendan Rodgers this summer, as he seeks out a suitable replacement for departing captain Steven Gerrard.
Despite the youngster’s talent, it appears increasingly likely that the Italian giant’s will be willing to sacrifice Kovacic this summer in order to finance a bid for Manchester City’s Yaya Toure. And having been implicated by the latest round of Financial Fair Play checks, Roberto Mancini’s side know that they must sell before they can buy.
We told you yesterday (via the Daily Express) that we had made an improved bid for the midfielder, having seen an initial offer of around £7.5m rejected out of hand. The new deal is believed to be worth almost £13m and will likely include various add-ons and extra incentives to take the overall value of the transfer closer to Inter’s £18m valuation.
This story is the latest indication that we are preparing to spend big again this summer. On Friday, we had an opening offer for Southampton full-back Nathaniel Clyne turned down (via Sky Sports), while we’re also believed to be chasing Aston Villa’s Christian Benteke, Burnley’s Danny Ings and Manchester City’s James Milner (via the Evening Standard).