Real Madrid 'refuse to sell Mateo Kovacic to Atletico Madrid'

Atletico Madrid have reportedly failed with an approach for Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Kovacic joined Real Madrid from Inter Milan in 2015 and has made 110 appearances for Los Blancos in all competitions, scoring three times in the process.

The midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the 2018-19 campaign, though, and joined Chelsea on loan.

As it stands, the 24-year-old will return to the Bernabeu this summer, but it has been suggested that the Croatia international wants to move on.

According to Carrusel Deportivo, Atletico are keen on signing Kovacic at the end of the current season, but Real Madrid are not prepared to sell to their bitter rivals.

Earlier this month, Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri revealed that he wants to keep the midfielder at Stamford Bridge entering the 2019-2020 campaign.