Liverpool Transfer News: Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic interested in replacing Coutinho

Liverpool have been tipped to sign Kovacic from Real Madrid with Coutinho growing increasingly likely to leave for a new challenge with Barcelona.

The Catalan giants are determined to sign the Brazil international despite shelling out for Borussia Dortmund’s Ousmane Dembele, who will replace Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar.

And Spanish outlet Diario Gol say Kovacic is open to making the move to Anfield should Coutinho depart.

The Croatia international supposedly wants to stay at Real Madrid but, after two years of languishing on their bench, is considering his options. 

Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro are all ahead of him in the pecking order, meaning game time at the Champions League holders is hard to come by.

Diario Gol add that Liverpool are prepared to double Kovacic’s salary in order to tempt him to Merseyside.

And the player has conveyed this information to Real chief Florentino Perez.

It is said, then, that Kovacic is now demanding a pay hike to commit his future to the La Liga giants.

Coutinho, meanwhile, is still likely to end up at Barcelona.

Ernesto Valvede is confident of landing his man despite Liverpool snubbing three offers so far.

Speaking last night, sporting director Ariedo Braidi was coy on a deal.

“The transfer market always brings surprises,” he said. 

“It’s difficult to say where we are at this present time.”