MATEO KOVACIC has reportedly snubbed a move to Manchester United because he does not want to play for Jose Mourinho.
Marca say the midfielder, 24, has made it clear he wants to leave Real Madrid in search of regular first-team action and United have swooped with a £53million offer.
But it is also claimed the Croatian does not see United as a good fit for his style of play.
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Kovacic is a brilliant deep-lying playmaker but had to make do with a substitute role for Croatia at the World Cup as Inter Milan’s Marcelo Brozovic kept him out the starting XI
Bayern Munich is said to be one possible destination for Kovacic, who could get more time than United to lure him in.
The deadline for deals in England is August 9 but the window does not close until the end of the month across the rest of Europe.
Mourinho has vented his frustration over a lack of transfer activity at United in recent weeks and says he is resigned to landing just one more of his targets.
His priority appears to be bringing in a centre-back and the United boss is keen on Harry Maguire.
But, as revealed by SunSport, Yerry Mina is now set for Old Trafford after United’s transfer fixer flew to Spain to sort out a deal with Barcelona.
United boss Mourinho gave the green light for a bid for Mina, 23, after negotiator Matt Judge dashed to America to discuss alternative targets.