Manchester United have bid for Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic – but the player has reportedly rejected a move to Old Trafford.
Manchester United continue to be linked with Real Madrid players despite missing out on Gareth Bale and Toni Kroos this summer.
The Red Devils have just eight days to conclude their transfer business and Jose Mourinho, whose anger is threatening to boil over, wants two new recruits.
It is understood Manchester United want a centre-back and winger but Spanish newspaper Marca claim they have launched a surprise bid for Kovacic.
The Croatia international is keen to leave the club after struggling for game time ever since his arrival from Inter Milan in 2014.
On the other hand, Real Madrid head coach Julen Lopetegui is adamant Gareth Bale is capable of stepping up and leading a new-look attack in the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Bale hinted at a move away from Madrid after his two-goal display in the Champions League final victory over Liverpool in May – the Welsh star frustrated with his lack of starts under Zinedine Zidane.
The 29-year-old’s frustrations sparked rumours of a move to Manchester United but Zidane has since departed the Santiago Bernabeu and replaced by Lopetegui, while Ronaldo completed a sensational €112million transfer to Juventus.
And former Spain boss Lopetegui – who spent time at Madrid as a player – is planning to build his the LaLiga giants around Bale.
“When I signed, Cristiano still belonged to Real Madrid but soon he expressed his desire to leave,” Lopetegui told reporters in Miami.
“As a coach, it is an exciting challenge to make a competitive team without Cristiano.
“[I have] recognition for one of the most important players in the history of Real Madrid, the club appreciated his legacy by facilitating his departure.
“We are convinced that Bale is going to have a great year and we expect a lot from him. We will work together for him to reach top form.”
Madrid, meanwhile, have been linked with a host of stars as they attempt to replace five-time Ballon d’Or winner and all-time leading scorer Ronaldo.
Neymar, Eden Hazard and Kylian Mbappe have emerged as potential targets, while Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continues to be linked.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s International Champions Cup opener against United at the Hard Rock Stadium, Lopetegui said: “We are delighted with the squad we have and are convinced that we will fight for all our objectives, and it cannot be any other way at Real Madrid.
“We want to be a great team on the pitch. If a player doesn’t come or go, I will be a happy coach. We are not going to talk about hypotheticals. With the squad we have, we will be able to face the demands of Real Madrid.”
Lopetegui previously managed Porto for two years, before taking over at the Spanish national team in July 2016.
A former goalkeeper, Lopetegui made one senior appearance for Real Madrid but played 107 matches for Logrones.
He began coaching in 2003 as assistant manager to Spain’s Under-17 team. He managed Spain at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level before moving to Porto.
Real finished third in La Liga last season, 17 points behind champions Barcelona.
Zinedine Zidane, who led the club to three successive Champions League titles, stepped down in May, saying the club needs “a different voice”.
Lopetegui previously managed Porto for two years, before taking over at the Spanish national team in July 2016.