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Real Madrid Set to Dig Heels in Over Mateo Kovačić Exit as Club Look to Hold Onto 'Modrić Successor'

Real Madrid are believed to be unwilling to sell wantaway midfielder Mateo Kovau010diu0107 this summer, despite the Croatian international making it clear that he's eager to leave the Bernabéu in the pursuit of first team football.

According to Marca, the 24-year-old has a contract with the Champions League winners until 2021, and has a massive €300m release clause. Despite struggling for game time last season, the tenacious midfielder is believed to be highly prized by the Los Blancos hierarchy, who view him as the natural successor to his international teammate, 32-year-old Luka Modriu0107.

Real Madrid are also believed to be closely monitoring Tottenham Hotspur ace Christian Eriksen, but would rather use their existing talents rather than squander their transfer budget.