MATEO KOVACIC’S agent has reportedly been in talks with Manchester City over a summer transfer.
The Citizens are believed to be eyeing up the Blues’ star as a potential replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
According to the news outlet N1, the Croatian international is of “great desire” of manager Pep Guardiola.
The report suggests that he would replace Phillips in the Man City midfield, as he is “close to signing” for Premier League rivals Aston Villa.
Kovacic, 28, is contracted to the Stamford Bridge side until the end of the 2023/24 season.
And it is thought that no extension is close to being agreed on.
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This could be down to the Blues potentially having to cut costs if they fail to qualify for European competition this season.
SunSport exclusively revealed that co-owner Todd Boehly insisted on all new contracts containing a 30 per cent penalty clause.
However, this has only applied to more recent transfers and would not relate to Kovacic.
The report states that a transfer could cost Man City upwards of £30million.
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The Croatian midfielder has been an important player for Chelsea since joining from Real Madrid in 2018.
He was part of the team that won the Champions League, Club World Cup and Super Cup under Thomas Tuchel.
He also won the Europa League in 2019.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
