Mateo Kovacic subject to potential Manchester City exit with Champions League club interested

Manchester City could yet be subject to ambitious transfer interest in Mateo Kovacic this summer, despite only signing the midfielder one year ago.

Talk in the way of Etihad Stadium arrivals has gone relatively quiet this summer, despite the expectation in some quarters that incoming winger Savio could be followed by at least two more new faces into Pep Guardiola’s squad.

The Brazilian forward was in Manchester this week to finalise medical testing, documentation signing, and media duties ahead of his permanent arrival next month, with eagle-eyed viewers spotting him on a shopping trip on New Cathedral Street.

Whilst there remains an expectation that Manchester City will recruit a suitable back-up option to Rodrigo in defensive midfield, much else of the club’s transfer business remains reliant on big-money departures from the playing squad.

And Thursday brings about a fresh rumour linking one of the club’s more recent arrivals with an exit to a rival UEFA Champions League club just one year on from arriving at the Etihad Stadium in a £30 million agreement.

According to the information of Turkish newspaper Fotomac, as translated and relayed by Turkish-Footbal.com, Fenerbahce – managed by legendary Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho – are interested in signing Manchester City and Croatia international midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

It is explained that Mourinho, whilst looking to bolster his squad in Turkey ahead of the new season, has identified a need for midfield reinforcements and is now turning his attention over to the Premier League – a division in which he knows very well.

As such, Fenerbahce have now set their sights on Kovacic, with Mourinho a known admirer of the player’s skillset and what he can contribute to a team. However, the 30-year-old has three years remaining on his existing City contract, and any interest in a move remains unclear.

Mateo Kovacic is expected to be one of two of Manchester City’s European Championship stars to partake in the club’s pre-season tour of the United States later this month, having exited the competition with Croatia in the group stage.

Josko Gvardiol is also expected to join up with Pep Guardiola’s squad in the coming days, having spent the large share of his summer holidays along the east coast of the USA, adding much-needed defensive depth to the Manchester City ranks.

As for the hugely exciting arrival of Savio from ESTAC Troyes, the Brazilian may not be part of Manchester City’s pre-season tour due to eligible holiday period, but could return to the City Football Academy ahead of the FA Community Shield meeting with Manchester United.