Real Madrid officially announce signing of Mateo Kovacic

Real Madrid have today confirmed they have completed the signing of Mateo Kovacic from Inter Milan, after fending off competition from the Premier League for the midfielder.

Kovacic joins up with former Inter boss Rafa Benitez in the Spanish capital and has signed a contract with Los Blancos for six years, as per the club’s official website.

The club have confirmed that Kovacic will be unveiled on Wednesday afternoon after he has completed his medical and it is a signing which will disappoint many Liverpool fans.

The 21-year-old Croatian international, who netted five league goals in the last campaign, had been heavily linked with a move away from the Nerazzurri after a faltering season for the club in Serie A.

Roberto Mancini returned to the San Siro in the winter to take over from Walter Mazzarri, but the 2010 Champions League winners struggled to improve under the ex-City boss.

However, after a summer of bolstering and many acquisitions, many were tipping Inter to make a big impression in the new season – something which will be much tougher now with the departure of Kovacic.

Mateo Kovacic registered three league assists last season.

Kovacic had become one of the most exciting young talents since joining Inter from Dinamo Zagreb back in 2013, and Liverpool were said to be keeping tabs on the starlet over the last few months, as per Gazetta dello Sport (via the Independent).