Matteo Kovacic ends talk of Liverpool move and makes Inter Milan commitment

Inter Milan schemer Mateo Kovacic says he has not been made aware of any interest from Liverpool this summer.

Kovacic, 21, signed a new contract with the Nerazzurri in January but has been persistently linked with a move to Merseyside ever since.

Italian newspaper Tuttosport claim that Brendan Rodgers' side remain very interested in bringing the player to the Premier League and had lodged a bid of €22.6m (£16.3m), with another €3m to follow in add-ons.

While Kovacic subsequently denied talk of an agreement with Liverpool in quotes attributed to the same publication, the Croatia international refused to completely rule out the possibility of leaving Italy.

The Daily Express reports Liverpool are still interested in the player as a replacement for Raheem Sterling, who completed his move to Manchester City on 14 July.

In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on 15 July, Kovacic was asked if he was aware of a €30m offer from the Merseyside club. He responded: "Liverpool? I don't know about that. I must ask the club. But the club has never said they want to sell me. Never.

"I want to stay here. I do not move. [My contract] is what I was looking for, the relationship between me and Inter will be long."

Reports linking Kovacic with a move to Liverpool have quietened down since the club completed the signing of Brazil international Roberto Firmino.

Sterling's £49m move to City has however freed up more funds for Liverpool to make further additions to their attack, but Rodgers has indicated the former Hoffenheim star can fill the void left by the England international.

When asked about who could possibly replace Sterling at a press conference on 13 July, the Liverpool boss was quick to highlight Firmino's qualities, suggesting he is at the centre of his plans.

"Roberto Firmino is a top-class player," Rodgers said, BBC Sport report.

"He will come into the Premier League and it takes a bit of time to adapt. But he has all the traits we want from a player. He works very hard."