Real Madrid: Inter eyeing moves for Kovacic, Kroos and Modric
The Serie A club are hoping to capitalise on Madrid's woes by landing previous target Modric, former player Kovacic and the Germany international.
Inter Milan are planning to fish in the troubled waters of the Santiago Bernabéu and are planning an audacious bid to bring three Real Madrid players to San Siro ahead of the 2019-20 season: Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Mateo Kovacic.
Real are experiencing a disappointing season following the departures of Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter, according to Italian media outlet Tuttosport, are confident of landing the midfield trio as they seek a return to the summit of European football.
Inter have previously attempted to lure Ballon d’Or holder Modric to Milan but Madrid successfully persuaded the Croatian to remain at the Bernabéu for another season. However, Modric may feel the time is ripe for a change of scenery and one final succulent contract could tempt the 33-year-old, whose contract is up in 2020, to make the move to Serie A.
Inter's Marotta aiming high with Kroos
While Modric remains an elusive target due to his stature in the world game, a move for former Inter midfielder Kovacic is a far more achievable affair for Inter. Currently on loan at Chelsea, Modric’s international teammate has expressed his desire to remain at Stamford Bridge and all-but ruled out a return to the Bernabéu next summer, but a call from his former employers would probably be welcomed. Inter’s new sporting director, Giuseppe Marotta, will not ignore the possibility that signing one of Kovacic or Modric would also serve as bait for the other to follow suit: Inter already have three of the Croatian national side in their ranks in Sime Vrsaljko, Ivan Perisic and Marcelo Brozovic.
A successful move for Kroos seems far less likely to bear fruit, with the Germany international under contract at the Bernabéu until 2022 and his release clause standing at 300 million euros.
