Manchester United are in contact with Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

Limited to a bit-part role in Real's midfield this season, Kovacic is unsettled and his agents are openly fielding interest from abroad.

Don Balon says United boss Jose Mourinho is a fan and contact has been made with the player's camp.

Mourinho wants to bring Kovacic to England in January - with the promise of regular football in order to strengthen his World Cup claims with Croatia.

Real coach Zinedine Zidane managed to dissuade Kovacic from leaving in August, but is now fighting a losing battle ahead of the winter market.

United hope to do business for around €30m, with Mourinho convinced Kovacic would be a "magnificent addition" for midseason.