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Tottenham given new hope of signing Real Madrid star

By Rucker Haringey

CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 02: Mateo Kovacic #16 of Real Madrid moves past Diego Valeri #9 of the MLS All-Stars during the 2017 MLS All- Star Game at Soldier Field on August 2, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Real Madrid defeated the MLS All-Stars 4-2 in a shootout following a 1-1 regulation tie. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - AUGUST 02: Mateo Kovacic #16 of Real Madrid moves past Diego Valeri #9 of the MLS All-Stars during the 2017 MLS All- Star Game at Soldier Field on August 2, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. Real Madrid defeated the MLS All-Stars 4-2 in a shootout following a 1-1 regulation tie. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham have long been admirers of Mateo Kovacic, but Spurs’ chances of signing the Real Madrid star are now at an all-time high.

Mauricio Pochettino’s dream of Tottenham behaving bravely in the transfer market have largely been nightmares to date. Things may be about to change though. Spurs suddenly have real hope of prying Mateo Kovacic away from Real Madrid.

Reports from Spain claim the Croatian international is determined to leave the La Liga giants. Specifically, he told new manager Julen Lopetegui that he’s convinced the best thing for his future is to leave Real Madrid. Kovacic has been continually frustrated with his inability to earn a firm spot in Los Blancos’ starting XI.

If Real Madrid are willing to let him go, expect Tottenham to make a strong push to acquire him. He’s the perfect answer to solidify the hole in Pochettino’s midfield. Kovacic is the box-to-box midfielder who could finally give Spurs the attacking punch they need from the defensive midfield.

The real question is whether or not Spurs can win the bidding war it might require to sign Kovacic. Various reports claim Real Madrid value the 24-year-old at a pretty reasonable sum of £44 million. Tottenham should not hesitate to pay that sort of fee for such an established talent. Unfortunately, as long as Daniel Levy is in charge of the North London club it’s a certainty Spurs will try to negotiate the price down.

That means other clubs will have ample opportunity to join the fray. Quite a few clubs would like to sign Kovacic for that number. If Tottenham genuinely want to bring him in this summer, they’ll need to make a strong opening bid to scare other potential suitors away.

Despite the competition, this is still the best opportunity Pochettino has ever enjoyed to acquire Kovacic. The fact that the midfielder has informed the club he wants to leave makes it very difficult for Real Madrid to keep him. They can ask for a massive fee, but Tottenham have the financial ability to meet their initial asking price.

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Kovacic is the first player who’s been legitimately linked with Spurs this summer who can immediately come in and massively improve the squad. Time will tell if Tottenham have the motivation to get this move over the line.

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