Real: Hands off Kovacic

He is not for sale. That is the message that is emmenating from the Bernabeu with regard to Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic, who has recently been linked with a move to Roma.

Not only is Kovacic an extremely talented footballer but 'Los Blancos' have complete and utter faith in the versatile midfielder and are banking on him as the future of the club's engine room, along with Marcos Llorente and Marco Asensio.

Reports claim that the only thought in the club's mind concerning Kovacic is to get him back fit as quickly as possible, in order to strengthen the options of manager Zinedine Zidane, who is a huge fan of the 23-year-old's talents.

There have been concerns that Kovacic is keen to ensure more regular football, be it at the Bernabeu or elsewhere. However, with Luka Modric having passed the dreaded 30 mark and with the club not actively looking at reinforcements in the middle of the park it would appear that Kovacic is seen as his fellow countryman's long-term successor.

One thing is for sure, Real are not willing to entertain any offers for the player at this moment in time.