Anfield and Old Trafford clubs linked with talented Inter Milan midfielder.
Inter Milan starlet Mateo Kovacic has attracted the attention of Manchester United and Liverpool, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Both clubs have apparently scouted the youngster on numerous occasions and could be poised to battle it out for his signature this summer.
The 20-year-old has made 31 Serie A appearances this season, including 13 starts.
He has a pass completion rate of 89.9% this term and has provided four assists, three of which came in last weekend’s 4-1 win over Lazio.
Kovacic has been capped eight times by Croatia at senior international level and was named in Niko Kovac’s 30-man provisional World Cup squad earlier this week.
He is comfortable using both feet and feels most at home in the centre of the pitch.
Passing, dribbling and an excellent first touch are his best qualities. Poor finishing and an inability to compete in the air are his weak points.
Kovacic, who joined Inter from Dinamo Zagreb in January 2013, has just over three years left to run on his current contract at the San Siro.
Inter are unlikely to be willing to sell him for anything less than £12m.
Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal are also reported to have shown an interest in Kovacic in the past.