The arrival of Mateo Kovacic at Manchester City is useful in more ways than one. Not only does he bring quality and experience, but also potential pulling power.
It’s a theme that runs through most of the City squad - quality attracts quality. Pep Guardiola may be whispering in the ear of Kovacic, urging him to have a quiet word with Croatia teammate Josko Gvardiol amid reported interest.
Meanwhile, it seems Declan Rice is also in the sights of the City boss. Rice was filmed proudly showing off his shirt collection last year amid a surprise visit from Yaya Toure ending in another jersey added to the collection.
It would be reasonable to suggest that he had at least tried to nab Kovacic’s Chelsea top at some stage. The West Ham captain sang the praises of his midfield counterpart in February last year, waxing lyrical about the qualities he admires in the 29-year-old and naming him in the top five Premier League midfielders. “He is incredible.