Transfer Predictor: Chelsea loan likely to suit Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic

Sport360 staff 15:51 07/08/2018
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  • The summer transfer window is in full swing, especially with Premier League clubs racing to get deals over the line before their August 9 deadline.

    With the rumours growing in pace and volume during this ‘silly season’, it can be difficult and painstaking to separate the stories of some legitimacy from the rest of the noise.

    Fortunately, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do it for you.

    Below, you’ll find some of the latest transfer news churned out of our rumours and analysed for your benefit along with our calculated predictions.

    MATEO KOVACIC – REAL MADRID TO CHELSEA

    Talented: Mateo Kovacic.

    Real Madrid star Mateo Kovacic is trying to force a move out of the club before the La Liga transfer window deadline on August 31, with Chelsea now being linked with a loan move.

    Why it will happen: The Croatia World Cup midfielder is desperate to leave Santiago Bernabeu and secure regular first-team football next season. A switch to Stamford Bridge could work very well and see Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois head in the opposite direction.

    Why it won’t happen: As of yet, the Blues link is just speculation and if it has come about because of Courtois, there could be more to it than meets the eye. Expect a tense couple of days ahead.

    Prediction: Kovacic has effectively gone AWOL at Madrid, so will surely jump at the chance of a new challenge.

    Rating: 8/10

    JUAN MATA – MANCHESTER UNITED TO JUVENTUS

    Juan Mata is more than likely to stay in Manchester.

    Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata has apparently been offered to Serie A giants Inter Milan.

    Why it will happen: The Nerazzurri are hoping to strengthen their midfield this summer and a man of Mata’s experience would fit the bill.

    Why it won’t happen: The 30-year-old Spaniard has one more year remaining on his Old Trafford deal and will want to see that out, and then fight for an extension.

    Prediction: Having played a significant part in the Red Devils’ pre-season, it looks unlikely Mata will be sold at such late notice.

    Rating: 4/10

    THEO HERNANDEZ – REAL MADRID TO REAL SOCIEDAD

    Theo Hernandez.

    Theo Hernandez is set to get more game time away from the Bernabeu.

    Real Madrid defender Theo Hernandez’s loan move to Real Sociedad is almost done, with the two clubs expected to thrash out the formalities of the arrangement this week.

    Why it will happen: This deal has been in the making all summer and the loan arrangement seems to benefit all parties.

    Why it won’t happen: Given the former Atletico Madrid man served as understudy to Marcelo last term, the Whites could be short in the full-back area should the Brazilian pick up an injury and may decide to keep Hernandez as a result.

    Prediction: Expect the 20-year-old to chalk up valuable first-team minutes in San Sebastian next season.

    Rating: 9/10

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