Kovacic has indicated he wants to leave the Spanish capital. (Picture: Getty)

Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic has remained coy on his future amid growing speculation he could leave the Spanish capital this summer.

Kovacic, who could feature when Croatia take on England in their World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, fuelled talk of a transfer himself at the end of the 2017-18 season when he revealed he will seek a move this summer.

While he was handed starting roles in key Champions League ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in addition to an El Clasico meeting with Barcelona last December, the 24-year-old has grown frustrated with his role at the club.

Kovacic missed a penalty in Croatia’s shoot-out victory over Russia. (Picture: Getty)

‘I want to play more and the best thing is to leave Madrid,’ he told Marca in June. ‘If I do not play, I am not happy.’




Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea have all been credited with interest in the Croatian, with Inter, Juventus and Roma also keen to offer him a route back to Serie A following a two-and-a-half year spell with the Nerazzurri.

AS report Real Madrid do not plan to listen to offers for a player who is widely regarded as the heir to the Luka Modric throne for club and country.

But once again, Kovacic has failed to provide any assurances. When asked if he wants to continue at Real next season, he was quoted as saying by the same publication: ‘Let’s see.’

Kovacic’s release clause is said to be in the region of €500m, surely placing him out of the reach of any club in normal circumstances. But should the midfielder formally request to leave, Real’s stance could change.