Manchester United were in the hunt for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic, the Premier League club had made a bid worth €60m for the talented Croatian. Although Kovacic is open in his desire to leave Real Madrid this window in search of first-team football, he is not keen on joining Manchester United, according to Marca.
The 24-year-old feels that United’s current playing style under Jose Mourinho is a bad stylistic fit for him and will seek opportunities elsewhere. This will come as a blow to United and Mourinho himself as he looks to strengthen his squad ahead of their Premier League opener v Leicester next Friday.
Kovacic will join up with Real Madrid’s training camp in the coming days but will insist on leaving the club when he meets new Madrid coach Julen Lopetegui. The former Spain manager believes he can keep the Croatian midfielder happy and make him a key figure in this new look Real Madrid team, which would satisfy the young central midfielder.
Manchester United are now turning their attention to defenders, with reported interest in Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire and Yerry Mina. Mourinho says the club should secure one more signing before the window closes, even though he would like two new faces in his squad.
Anthony Martial will return to Manchester to join up with the squad after the birth of his child, whilst Paul Pogba will also join back up with the team next week after his World Cup triumph. If United can get their star midfielder to replicate the form he showed for France this summer, they should be title contenders.
