Modric praise shows Kovacic can be new leader at the Etihad

MATEO Kovacic looks set to be confirmed as a City player and past comments from Croatia team-mate Luka Modric reveal exactly why Pep Guardiola moved so quickly to sign him. 

- KYLE EWBOULD

Kovacic underwent a medical on Friday as he edged closer to becoming the first arrival of the summer. Earlier in the week, City and Chelsea agreed a fee for his sale, which M.E.N. Sport believes to be £25m plus a further £5m in add-ons. 

The 29-year-old’s arrival will come just days after it was revealed that Ilkay Gundogan is set to join Barcelona on a free transfer. The German was named on City’s summer released list, with the club unable to convince their club captain to extend his eight-year spell.