AC Milan track Mateo Kovacic

AC Milan had kept a close watch on Croatian midfielder Mateo Kovacic during Real Madrid's Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon.

The 22-year-old was strongly tipped to leave the European champions in the summer before Los Blancos opted to keep hold of his services due to their ongoing transfer ban.

According to La Repubblica, the Rossoneri sent scouts to monitor the anchorman in action during Real's 2-1 triumph over Sporting Lisbon in the group stage of the Champions League.

The Milan giants are on the search for an effective player at the heart of the midfield, and are hopeful of convincing Los Blancos to sell their player in the New Year.

Kovacic had a tough debut campaign at the Bernabeu last term, but he has since earned a regular run in the starting line-up amid the injury absence of Casemiro.