Man City interested in Chelsea star who could leave Blues on the cheap this summer

TALKSPORT

Manchester City are interested in signing Mateo Kovacic, with the Chelsea midfielder facing a big decision over his future this summer.

The Premier League champions are looking to bolster their midfield at the end of the season and have earmarked Kovacic as a potential target.

According to the Daily Telegraph, the Croatia international is seen as a cheaper target to Jude Bellingham, who remains the priority but is also wanted by Liverpool and Real Madrid.

With the futures of Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva uncertain, City could try and sign both players, with Kovacic first on the club’s radar in 2018.

They battled Chelsea for his signature but lost out after the Blues signed the midfielder on loan from Real Madrid before making the deal permanent the following year.

But City have always kept tabs on the 28-year-old and, with his contract expiring in 2024, they could pounce now.

Kovacic is one of several players at Stamford Bridge who could leave this summer as a result of Chelsea’s bloated squad that boasts 31 people.

Jorginho was allowed to leave for Arsenal while a new contract is in the pipeline for N’Golo Kante, and Enzo Fernandez was signed in January for a British record £107million.