Inter Kondogbia capture could signal Kovacic switch to Liverpool
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Inter Milan are reportedly on the verge of signing promising French midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco, in a deal worth £25m.
The 22-year-old was understood to have been tracked by a number of clubs including Manchester City and Arsenal; however, the former Sevilla man has opted to join Inter Milan having been offered a five-year deal.
Manager Roberto Mancini is expected to draft in a number of recruits this summer, which could leave existing players surplus to requirements. There is an existing crop of talent at the club, though it is thought that some need a fresh challenge if they are ever going to live up to their true potential.
One player in particular, who could be on the move, is Croatian gem Mateo Kovacic, linked with a move to Liverpool, who are 5/2 with Coral to finish in the Premier League top four next term.
Although, a switch such as this may usually be deemed unusual, the 21-year-old could be encouraged with the work Reds manager Brendan Rodgers did with Philippe Coutinho, who excelled last season and was undoubtedly one of the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League.
Any fee for Kovacic is said to be in the region of £14m and the move would represent a great opportunity for the player to live up to his potential under the guidance of a manager who has a good reputation for getting the best out of young players.
He has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of compatriot Luka Modric, of who he has been compared to. In the national team, he currently competes for a place with Ivan Rakitic, Alen Halilovic, Milan Badelj and recent rising star Marcelo Brozovic.
A move to the Premier League; arguably a better competition than Serie A could see an eventual elevation in his status, and Anfield would provide Kovacic with the perfect platform to build on.