Cristiano Ronaldo urges Al-Nassr to splash out out Man City star in January with Saudi Pro League side willing to offer $65m annual salary

According to CBS Sports, Al-Nassr are prepared to offer an extraordinary financial package to Kovacic, equivalent to more than $1m (£0.84m/$1.11m) a week - which would be approximately six times what the Croatian international currently earns at Manchester City, making him one of the highest-paid footballers in the world. The Saudi club had initially hoped to secure Kovacic as a marquee signing before the summer transfer deadline. However, their inability to clear space on their international roster prevented any deal from being finalized.

Al-Nassr needed to offload Sadio Mane and Anderson Talisca to create room for Kovacic. The Senegalese was reportedly the subject of interest from two other Saudi clubs, including rivals Al-Ahli, who were exploring the possibility of sending Roberto Firmino to Al-Taawoun to facilitate a move for Mane. But that deal fell through and so did Al-Nassr's hopes of bringing Kovacic to Saudi Arabia before the deadline.

Ronaldo has reportedly been instrumental in pushing for Kovacic's move to Al-Nassr. The two players share a history, having spent three years together at Real Madrid between 2015 and 2018. Al-Nassr were even willing to offer Manchester City one of the most lucrative transfer fees ever paid by a Saudi club to secure the player. However, the business could not be completed and now they are determined to secure the Croatian midfielder's services when the transfer window reopens in January 2025.

In addition to Kovacic, Al-Nassr are also considering a move for French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who is currently a free agent. However, any move for Rabiot would be seen as complementary to the pursuit of Kovacic, rather than an alternative.

Mane's future at Al-Nassr remains a key factor in whether the club can pursue Kovacic in January. The forward has struggled to find his best form since arriving in Saudi Arabia and could be on the move if a suitable offer arises. And with Al-Nassr willing to offer a massive hike in his wages, Kovacic might be lured to Riyadh for a fresh challenge.