Croatian outlet Sportske novosti reports that the 32-year-old tried to leave the Etihad on deadline day, only to run out of time, and that he now intends to make his move in January.
According to the paper, Kovačić entered the final year of his contract asking for clarity about his role. He spoke to sporting director Hugo Viana and to Maresca after Pep Guardiola's departure, and was told City were counting on him. The midfield was then rebuilt. Elliot Anderson and Ayyoub Bouaddi arrived, and Enzo Fernández joined on the last day of the window - and Kovačić decided he wanted out.
He is said to have had offers from Turkey and Saudi Arabia, plus interest from Italy, but there was too little time to complete a transfer. He would have needed to find a new club within about 20 hours to allow City to register a replacement for the Champions League, which practically ended the chance of a move. City did not want to let him go.
The early weeks of the season are said to have justified his concerns. He has been sidelined at the Etihad since the start of the campaign and believes Maresca is being unfair to him. With no place in the rotation of the Sky Blues' midfield, the Croatia international is expected to look for a solution when the market reopens.
His injury record helps explain the drop in status. He made only nine appearances and played 242 minutes for Manchester City last season because of two operations on a heel problem, before returning to play at the World Cup. He came into this season fully fit but has received only sporadic chances.
The timing is awkward for City. Kovačić's contract runs to June 2027, and if no new deal is signed he can negotiate with foreign clubs from January.Given the situation, City are unlikely to block a winter exit, which would also allow them to avoid losing him for nothing next summer.