Real Madrid will not allow midfield star Mateo Kovacic to leave the Bernabeu this summer, despite his reported willingness to move on.

According to AS, the Croatian World Cup finalist has told Los Blancos boss Julen Lopetegui and his Whites team-mates that now is the right time to seek a transfer elsewhere.

Despite not travelling stateside for the club’s pre-season tour and International Champions Cup clashes, Kovacic, according to sources, was back in Madrid soon after Croatia’s campaign in Russia and informed colleagues of his decision.

However, the 24-year-old former Inter Milan man’s wishes were rebuffed, with Madrid hierarchy telling him that he is not for sale and is indeed a big asset for the future.