Mateo Kovacic has put in a transfer request at Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s star midfielder, Mateo Kovacic, has reportedly requested new manager Julen Lopetegui to allow him to leave the club this transfer window.

Spanish news outlet Marca reveal that Mateo Kovacic, who was part of the World Cup final with Croatia, had a meeting with the new manager on Friday, and now wants to leave the club this summer.

Even though the atmosphere during Madrid’s training session remained undisturbed, it is reported that Kovacic was keen to get his demands fulfilled and now is certain that he should move away from the Spanish capital to gain more playing time.

It seems that Kovacic has not changed his mind on this issue ever since he spoke to Marca in May when he clarified: “I would like to play more at Madrid because I love football and being on the pitch.

“I know that at Madrid it’s difficult to be a starter, especially because I arrived very young.

“I understand the situation but that’s why I think it’s best for me to go to another club where I will have the chance to play regularly as a starter. It’s an opportunity that I think I can have and I want it now.”

As a result, the Croatian international has been linked with various European giants this summer, including Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. However, Real Madrid’s huge asking price of 80 million euros for the 24-year-old has been a big barrier for the above-mentioned clubs.

Mateo Kovacic joined the Los Blancos in 2015, after spending two and a half seasons at Inter Milan, making 97 appearances for the Serie A giants. He has also made over a 100 appearances across all competitions for Madrid, scoring thrice in the process.

Despite being crowned Champions League winner thrice in three years, Kovacic wants to play a more influential role on the pitch, and with a lot of competition at Madrid, wants to set his career elsewhere.