Inter Milan star Mateo Kovacic has ruled out a move to Anfield, stating he is not interested in replacing the departed Raheem Sterling.

Liverpool have been chasing the Croatian all summer, but have been dealt a major blow to their rebuilding process after the exit of star player Sterling to Manchester City.

Kovavcic told Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport: "Could I replace Sterling? We have two different roles... It's not for me to say whether there have been any offers from the Reds or not, hopefully that's down to my agent."

Kovacic then reaffirmed his desire to remain in Milan, stating: "Inter have never said they want to sell me, never. I want to stay here. I will not leave."

"That's what I wanted, that's what my renewal until 2019 shows and there will be a long relationship between myself and Inter."

Kovacic also implied that he considers Inter to be a more prestigious club than Liverpool, saying: "Inter is like Real [Madrid] or Barcelona... I want to show that I deserve Inter. I want to win with this jersey."