Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic insists the club "count on" him, despite reports linking him with a return to Serie A amid interest from Juventus and his former club Inter Milan. The 32-year-old Croatia international has entered the final year of his contract and has not been offered an extension, but his comments suggest he expects to remain part of Enzo Maresca's plans, even though the new manager gave a notably non-committal answer when asked about his future.

Kovacic played just nine times last season after being sidelined for much of the campaign by Achilles and ankle injuries. With Rodri unlikely to be fit for the start of the new season following back surgery, Kovacic could deputise in midfield alongside Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and new £116m signing Elliot Anderson, who has yet to join up with the squad after England's World Cup run. Kovacic also praised the strength of Premier League midfielders, citing big-money signings such as Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Declan Rice at rival clubs.