He expected Liverpool move, Can Ante Coric become Tottenham’s Kovacic alternative?

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Tottenham Hotspur should consider a move for Ante Coric.

This week new light was shed on Tottenham’s pursuit of Real Madrid ace Mateo Kovacic.

Goal reported comments from Real’s director Jose Sanchez, who said the Spanish side rejected an offer for the attacker.

The move highlighted Spurs are seeking a creative influence in midfield, and the answer may lie with Kovacic’s fellow Croatian, Ante Coric.

Coric plays for Dinamo Zagreb and is just 20-years-old, but has been linked with a move away since breaking into the first team more than two seasons ago.

Coric admitted this week he had half expected to be playing in the Premier League by now, suggesting he thought he would be playing for one of their top teams.

He told Sportske Jutarni: “On the one hand I’m happy, I do not have to complain about my career. I am only 20, I’m Dinamo’s youngest scorer in Europe, I have four trophies, I was at the European Championship in France, I scored a few goals against Hajduk Split in the derby … If you told me three years ago that would be so, I would not believe I would be so successful.

“But on the other hand, I thought I would play Manchester City or Liverpool today.”

Coric would be an ideal addition for Tottenham, who have previously been linked to him.

Sky Sports reported in August 2016 that Spurs were monitoring his situation, along with Everton.

At just 20, Coric is a good fit for this talented Tottenham team, and comparisons to the great Luka Modric will only help his cause in North London.

This season Coric has scored two goals and provided two assists in seven games for his side.

As Tottenham look to relieve pressure on Dele Alli and Christian Erkiksen, the versatile Coric could be a smart addition, and cheaper than Kovacic.