Transfer News: Manchester City outbid for Mateo Kovacic by Inter Milan

Mateo Kovacic: Midfielder has joined Inter Milan from Dinamo Zagreb

Dinamo Zagreb's vice-president Zdravko Mamic claims Manchester City were outbid by Inter Milan after Mateo Kovacic joined the Italian club earlier this week.

Kovacic has been compared to his compatriot and Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric and he had been linked with several of Europe's top clubs.

Mamic says Premier League champions City had previously tabled an €11million (£9.5m) offer, with Dinamo not actively looking to sell Kovacic.

However, Inter came in with several offers and an eventual bid of €13m (£11.2m) saw the teenager complete his transfer to the Serie A club before the transfer window closed.

"On Wednesday, Inter called me four times," Mamic told Jutarnji List. "But I told them not to come and that we will not talk to them.

"They knew about City's offer, which was €11m. But they were very persistent.

"I told them not to come to Zagreb, but they did, and they showed up at Maksimir Stadium at 18.00 on Wednesday.

"(Inter sporting director Marco) Branca and (Inter president Massimo) Moratti showed up at our offices and, at the end of the day, we sold them Kovacic for €13m."