Liverpool were heavily linked with the Croatian midfielder in early weeks of June and the midfielder was tipped as the player Brendan Rodgers wanted to bring to replace Steven Gerrard.
These links have died down in recent weeks, which could be because the club was never interested in the player, or because Liverpool are unwilling to meet the A?21m fee Inter are asking for. The other possible reason is that manager Mancini suddenly thinks that the 21 year-old can be an integral part of the midfield. Whatever the reason, seems like a move is off the table.
Player reiterated his future lay with Inter Milan
However, Gazzetta dello Sport, who at one point in June said Liverpool were a days awaya from securing his signature a few days back, and later added that Liverpool and Inter Milan had reached an agreement in principle for the transfer of the player for A?17m plus a bonus related to appearances the player makes, quizzed Kovacic on his future and links with Liverpool.
When asked what would happen if Liverpool offered the A?21m bid, Kovacic said “They must ask the club. But the club has never said they want to sell me. Never.”
Asked if the sale of Raheem Sterling could mean a move from the Reds for him, the player said, “We have two different roles. That there have been no requests from the Reds, but it’s not for me it’s for my agent. Having said that, I repeat: I want to be here.”
Finally, when asked about what he wants to do in the future, the player said, “Stay here. I do not move… the relationship between me and Inter will be long.”
Move looks off the cards
Well, judging from the comments of the Croatian midfielder, it seems that he is pretty keen on staying at the Italian club. The player can clearly see a future for himself at Inter Milan. He made 40 appearances for Mancini last season, with 12 of those coming from the bench.
Liverpool have done plenty of business already, and have to invest in a striker presently so it makes little sense that they will pay A?21m to bring in a midfielder first. If Kovacic does end up playing for the Reds next season, it is more likely that a move for him is made after the club lands its first choice striker.
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