- Real Madrid could take advantage of Manchester United’s interest in Mateo Kovacic
- The Spanish giants remain desperate to sign Red Devils star David de Gea
- United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on Kovacic as an option in midfield
- READ MORE: Agreement close: Barcelona hope to wrap up signing of £88m Man Utd transfer target before the World Cup
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is reportedly ‘rejoicing’ at the fact that Manchester United are interested in signing Mateo Kovacic, according to Don Balon.
The Spanish outlet claims Red Devils manager Jose Mourinho is keen on strengthening his midfield with the signing of Kovacic, and that he’d be more interested in him than in an attacking player like Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale.
Perez remains keen on signing United goalkeeper David de Gea, with Don Balon now suggesting the Real president could take advantage of their interest in Kovacic by lining up a swap deal to help things along.
De Gea would be a clear upgrade on Keylor Navas in goal for Madrid, while Kovacic could plug an important gap at Old Trafford next season.
Michael Carrick is set to retire at the end of this campaign, while Marouane Fellaini is near the end of his contract, so the Croatia international could make an ideal addition in that area.
While Kovacic has not exactly reached his best form in a white shirt, he previously looked an exciting young prospect at former club Inter Milan.
The 23-year-old could do with the chance to play more regularly, so a swap deal involving De Gea could actually suit all parties, even if Mourinho would surely rather not lose a top class ‘keeper.