Mateo Kovacic is ready to demand a move from Real Madrid.

That's according to Don Balon, which reports the midfielder is convinced his playing chances will not improve this new season.

The final straw was Sunday against Manchester United in Santa Clara. Kovacic entered the game after halftime - when coach Zinedine Zidane changed over his XI with little known young players.

Kovacic felt humiliated and his mind is now mind up: he wants to leave.

A return to Italy has been mooted, where former club Inter Milan are keen, along with AC Milan and Napoli.