LFC could activate €50m clause to find Naby Keita’s 2018 CM partner

Liverpool have been linked to Mateo Kovacic ever since the Croat was at Inter Milan.

He’s a terrifically talented operator who hasn’t been given the minutes his talent deserves at Real Madrid, through no fault of his own.

The world-class trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos are ahead of him in the pecking order.

According to Spanish outlet Diario Gol (translated by Team Talk), not an especially reliable source it has to be said, Liverpool are considering making a bid for the 23-year-old’s services.

ESPN state Kovacic has a €50m release clause, which is more than affordable in today’s market.

Stylistically, Kovacic is similar to Emre Can in that he has a powerhouse physique but natural technical ability. He’s much better at driving through the field with the ball at his feet though, as once our departing German gets going, he struggles to change direction or make good decisions.

Kovacic would be a fantastic replacement for Can come 2018/19, especially with Naby Keita already arriving next summer.

Zinedine Zidane hasn’t given him a single La Liga start this campaign and he’s come off the bench on just three occasions, so he’s no doubt pining for an exit.

Having watched Liverpool’s midfield versus West Brom, we’d support a bid as early as January.