Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has held crunch talks with Mateo Kovacic.
With Dani Ceballos due to arrive from Real Betis, Kovacic fears the chances of finding room in Zidane's midfield is diminishing further.
The former Inter Milan midfielder has fielded interest from AC Milan and Tottenham this summer and has been considering his options.
However, Don Balon says Zidane has sought to personally intervene in an effort to convince Kovacic to stay. The Frenchman rates the midfielder highly and has big plans for him next season.
Zidane has assured Kovacic of more minutes - a promise that the player wants to see in action before the market shuts at the end of August.