Reds close in on Kovacic to perform Gerrard role

12 May 2015 10:24

As the Anfield farewell to one of Liverpool’s greatest players fast approaches Brendan Rodgers looks for a player with the unenviable task of fulfilling his role next season.

Gerrard will be treated to an emotional home farewell at the weekend in the game against Crystal palace with the talismanic captain being given a planned honour guard and mural tribute. With the 34-year-old Gerrard bound for LA Galaxy attention is already switching to matters of how his boots can be filled next season with reports highlighting Kovacic.

Rodgers himself admits that a simple replacement is not possible and that two players will be required in midfield that have defensive and attacking qualities. One player with attacking qualities is the Croatian Mateo Kovacic who could move it is claimed for just £15million from Inter Milan in the summer. Liverpool will face competition from Arsenal potentially, who are also said to be interested in the 21-year-old.

Kovacic joined Inter in 2013 from Dinamo Zagreb and has gone on to make 77 league appearances, scoring 5 league goals. The player has a contract which could keep him at Inter until June 2019.

A full Croatian international, Kovacic has earned 19 caps for his country since his debut in 2013 and is known for his great versatility with the ability to adapt to wide positions as well as attacking midfield roles.

Source: DSG