Reports: Manchester United edge closer to signing 23-year-old superstar

What's the story?

Manchester United are always on the lookout for top talent and now latest reports in Don Balon (via The Mirror) claim that the Red Devils are close to striking a deal for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

One of the best young midfielders in the game, Kovacic has struggled to get regular playing time under Zidane and with Mkhitaryan and Fellaini expected to depart Old Trafford in the coming months, the signing of Kovacic will certainly strengthen the midfield area.

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Kovacic has long been linked with a move to the Premier League

Although the 23-year-old Croatian is one of the most complete midfielders in the game, he has struggled to get past Luka Modric and Toni Kross and establish himself in the Madrid set-up.

With the World Cup coming up, Kovacic is keen on getting regular playing time and the Croatian has long been linked with a move to the Premier League. Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested, but Manchester United are confident of sealing the deal for a relatively low price of £27 million.

The heart of the matter

Mkhitaryan has been frozen out by Jose Mourinho while Fellaini's contract is running out. Also, with Michael Carrick now on the wrong side of 30, Manchester United are desperate to strengthen their midfield options.

Kovacic, at 23, still has the potential to become one of the world's best midfielders and a midfield trio of Pogba, Kovacic and Matic are certainly capable of breaking down any defence. Blessed with excellent technical ability, dribbling and passing skills, Kovacic will certainly add an extra edge to the Manchester United midfield.

However, the price of £27 million seems too low for the Croatian and United might have to enter into a bidding war with Liverpool and Tottenham if they are to secure the signature of the talented Croatian.

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Kovacic will certainly be an asset to any team in Europe.

Author's take

Kovacic is one of the brightest young talents in the game and Real Madrid will definitely be reluctant to sell him. However, if a deal is indeed possible, Mourinho should go all out to sign the talented 23-year-old.