Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic agrees personal terms with Liverpool

Liverpool are closing in on securing the services of Inter Milan midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer.

According to the Croatian publication Vecernji.hr, the 21-year-old has already agreed personal terms with the Merseyside club. However, now it is between the Reds and the Italian outfit to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.

Earlier, Liverpool sent three officials to Italy to negotiate a deal with the player's representative. Kovacic started against Empoli during his side's 4-3 win in the final tie of the 2014/15 season.

The clash on 31 May was the Croatian international's last match in an Inter shirt as he is looking for a summer exit. The midfielder has set his heart on making a switch to Anfield, despite extending his contract until 2019 in January.

Liverpool have improved their offer to €21m (£15.8m, $23.3m) and are hoping that their bid could be sufficient for the Seria A side to part ways with their midfielder. However, Inter are willing to do business if the interested clubs could meet their asking price of €30m (£21.4m, $32.7m).

Kovacic could be retained by Inter if Brendan Rodgers' side fall short of Inter's valuation. It should be seen whether Liverpool will improve their bid or wait for the player to push for a transfer.

Liverpool already agreed a deal to sign James Milner from Manchester on a free transfer. If Kovacic decides to make a switch to Anfield, he will become the second midfielder to join the Reds.

Rodgers already lost Steven Gerrard after the Reds legend decided to end his Liverpool career at the end of the last season. Kovacic, like Milner, can play in several positions. The Croatian can play as a deep-lying playmaker, also on wide positions and as an attacking midfielder.

If Liverpool manage to agree a deal with Inter for Kovacic's transfer, he and Milner could play a crucial role in their midfield for the next season. The Inter player scored five goals and managed three assists in 35 league appearances last term.