Man City get permission from Chelsea to talk to Mateo Kovacic as Mauricio Pochettino’s big summer exit goes ahead…with Croatian star excited about Etihad move
Chelsea have given Manchester City permission to talk to Mateo Kovacic about a possible deal this summer.
The midfielder appears to be leaving Stamford Bridge now that the season has ended and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in him.
Premier League champions City are among them, as reported by Mail Sport, and they look set to secure his signature with early talks.
The athletic claim dialogue over the move has been exchanged between both clubs, although a fee has yet to be discussed.
Kovacic would like to join City, despite Bayern Munich eyeing him.
Mail Sport revealed earlier this month that City are eyeing the 29-year-old, admired by Pep Guardiola.
Just two games away from securing a remarkable treble, City will take stock of their squad in the coming days and weeks, with several withdrawals likely.
But they will again be spending money to bolster their crop and Kovacic, named as one of the leading candidates to leave Chelsea under Mauricio Pochettino, is a target.
Kovacic has one year left to complete his contract. He has made 221 appearances in all competitions since joining from Real Madrid in 2018, initially on loan.
The move was made permanent a year later for a fee of around £45 million.
During his glittering five-year spell in West London, Kovacic has won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
More to follow.