Manchester City and Chelsea have opened talks over the transfer of Mateo Kovacic.
The Croatian international has just a year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge and will be allowed to depart as the Blues look to thin out their bloated squad. Chelsea have given City permission to discuss personal terms with Kovacic.
It is expected that the two clubs will reach an agreement over a fee and that Kovacic, 29, will move to the Etihad to join the Premier League champions.
Other clubs have been monitoring Kovacic’s situation in west London, but he is understood to be keen on a new challenge and particularly to work with Pep Guardiola. The City boss has long been an admirer of the ex-Real Madrid and Inter Milan midfielder.
Kovacic has been an increasingly key figure at Chelsea in recent years, making 221 appearances for the club since arriving - initially on loan - from Madrid. Kovacic has won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup during his time at the club.
But Mauricio Pochettino is understood to have given his blessing for a deal to be made that will take Kovacic to Manchester, where Guardiola is looking to beef up his midfield options.
City are waiting for Ilkay Gundogan to decide on whether he wants to stay put this summer or whether the German international, whom Guardiola has publicly stated is “one of the best players I ever trained”, himself wants to try something new. Barcelona are interested in taking him to Spain on a free transfer and also remain interested in his City teammate Bernardo Silva.
One player Pochettino is extremely keen to keep hold of is Mason Mount.
The England international is heading into the final year of his contract, with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool both increasingly keen on his signature. No progress has been made in talks over an extension and the club's owners are keen to sell this summer rather than seeing him walk away for nothing in 2024.
However, Pochettino is hoping to hold talks with the player and his representatives and persuade them that his long-term future should be at Chelsea.
