Manchester City midfielder Mateo Kovacic believes the club counts on his contributions even amid summer transfer speculation linking him with a return to Italy.

Reports indicate Serie A clubs Juventus and former side Inter Milan are keen to bring the Croatia international back to his homeland.

The 32-year-old enters the final season of his Etihad Stadium deal without a fresh contract offer on the table.

Kovacic featured in only nine matches for City last term after missing most of the campaign with Achilles and ankle problems.

New manager Enzo Maresca appeared cautious when questioned about the player's future following Saturday's friendly against Inter, noting: "Mateo is our player, until the day he is here I will try all my best.

"It is my duty to try to help players give their best. If he is here I am happy and we will continue to work with him."

Yet Kovacic remains certain of his standing, explaining: "I didn't feel the question marks from them. I spoke with them, it was that they count on me, which was important for me to hear that from them.

"And now, like I said, for the players it's always on you to show your best version, because if you are playing good, the manager will put you first."

Spain World Cup-winning midfielder Rodri is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season following back surgery.

Kovacic played 45 minutes in Saturday's match and could step up in Rodri's absence, competing with Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez and record signing Elliot Anderson for a central midfield berth.

"I've played together with Rodri and without him as well," said Kovacic. "So with him not being here now I can of course fill that spot, but let's see when he comes back."

Anderson has yet to join his new teammates after extra rest following England's World Cup semi-final run.

The 23-year-old arrived from Nottingham Forest for £116m after featuring in all 38 Premier League fixtures last season.

When asked about Anderson's potential impact, Kovacic replied: "I think a lot of quality, a lot of physicality because he has shown that he is capable of running a lot, being good on the ball, being good off the ball.

"He is young, so he can improve a lot still at City, and I think it's a great signing for us."

English clubs have invested heavily in central midfielders recently, with Chelsea paying £115m for Moises Caicedo and £106m for Enzo Fernandez, while Arsenal spent £100m on Declan Rice.

"I think it is the best league and the best players are here," added Kovacic. "There are some amazing midfielders. Newcastle's Bruno [Guimaraes], Aston Villa have many good midfielders.

"[Manchester] United are now bringing midfielders. So I think every club has some great midfielders."