Manchester City and Juventus are preparing to go head-to-head for Dinamo Zagreb starlet Mateo Kovacic.

 

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder has delighted the Croatian giants with his progress and has been labelled the "new Robert Prosinecki" by Croatia Under-17 coach Martin Novoselac, such are the bright hopes attributed to his future.

 

Kovacic was born in Austria and began his career with Austrian outfit LASK Linz, turning out for the club’s youth academy.

 

However, born to Croatian parents, Kovacic opted to move to Dinamo at the age of 13, snubbing interest from the likes of Ajax, Bayern Munich and Stuttgart in the process.

 

Now, four years later, interest is brewing once again.

 

Leading the chase for Kovacic are English giants Manchester City and Serie A powerhouses Juventus, with each keen to secure the 17-year-old’s signature.

 

Kovacic recently broke through into Croatia’s Under-21 side, while this season has seen the starlet enjoy regular games in the Champions League, further aiding his progression.

 

How much longer Dinamo can keep hold of Kovacic for is open to question and it has been reported that Manchester City have sounded out the player’s agent already over a potential switch.

 

Juventus are sure to make a move soon, as the Bianconeri are desperate not to miss out.

 

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