31 May 2023 , 20:51
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Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United to abandon their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong and instead hijack Manchester City's move for Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea star Kovacic has entered the final 12 months of his contract with the Blues and City have opened talks with him in the hope of sealing a summer transfer. Arch rivals United, meanwhile, reportedly remain intent on going after Barcelona ace De Jong for the second successive summer under boss Erik ten Hag.
But the Dutch midfielder's reluctance to join the Red Devils has put plenty of supporters off the idea of rekindling their interest, Ferdinand included. Instead, the former United centre-back would like to see Kovacic, 29, make the switch to Old Trafford.
"It sounds too difficult and too complicated [to sign De Jong], move on," Ferdinand declared on his YouTube channel, FIVE . "I think Kovacic has got a year left. I like him… He's different to what we've got."
The Mail claim that the Croatia international is indeed on United's radar, but City lead the race for his signature. Bayern Munich have also shown tentative interest but it's Pep Guardiola's side who've been given permission to discuss terms.
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Since missing out on Jude Bellingham to Real Madrid, City have looked at alternative midfield targets, with Kovacic emerging as a suitable option. The Premier League champions - who remain in the midst of an assault on all fronts at the climax of the campaign - are preparing to replace German stalwart Ilkay Gundogan, whose deal runs out next month amid interest from Barcelona.
Have your say! Should Manchester United sign Mateo Kovacic? Let us know your verdict in the comments section.
Mateo Kovacic has entered the final 12 months of his Chelsea contract (Visionhaus/Getty Images)As far as Kovacic's situation at Chelsea is concerned, new manager Mauricio Pochettino doesn't officially start until July 1 but it's understood that the Argentine coach is already making decisions on the future of his squad. Pochettino is keen to focus on younger players, leaving 29-year-old Kovacic as surplus to requirements.
Club bosses are keen to sell rather than lose him for free in 12 months time.
Having first signed for the Blues on loan from Real Madrid in 2018, Kovacic is approaching half a decade at Stamford Bridge and recently confirmed that he was still happy in West London. "I feel really, really at home," Kovacic told club media in April. "There is nothing to not love in London. My family enjoys it, which makes it easier for me.
"The food is okay, maybe not like Italy or Spain! But London is amazing. My son goes to nursery here in London, he enjoys it, the people are so nice. I can only say good things about London and England. We feel really great here. I had the luck to be in great countries, great cities, new cultures, meeting amazing people."