Kovacic turns down Liverpool move

Croatia playmaker Mateo Kovacic has ruled out a move to the Barclays Premier League this summer, instead expressing a wish to remain at Inter Milan.

The 21-year-old has been strongly linked with Liverpool, with reports in Italy claiming the Reds are willing to spend 30 million euros (#21m) on the player.

However, Kovacic, who signed a contract extension with Inter for another four seasons back in January, has no intention of leaving the San Siro any time soon.

"Inter have never said they want to sell me, never," Kovacic said to Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport. "I want to stay here. I will not leave.

"That's what I wanted, that's what my renewal until 2019 shows, there will be a long relationship between myself and Inter."

Liverpool on Tuesday sold winger Raheem Sterling to Manchester City for £49m and have money to spend in the transfer market.

"Could I replace Sterling? We have two different roles," Kovacic said. "It's not for me to say whether there have been any offers from the Reds or not, hopefully that's down to my agent.

"That said, I reiterate that I want to stay here."