Manchester City in talks to sign Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea

Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Mateo Kovacic. Pep Guardiola wants more depth in central midfield and Kovacic, who has a year on his contract, is expected to join the Premier League champions.

Chelsea are set for a heavy clearout and are also expected to lose Mason Mount, with Manchester United increasingly regarded as the midfielder’s likeliest destination. Mount is understood to be interested in United. Nothing is agreed between the clubs and Arsenal, Liverpool and Bayern Munich have also been monitoring the 24-year-old’s situation.

Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s new head coach, would like to keep Mount. But the England international’s contract expires next summer and no progress has been made in talks over an extension. Chelsea’s owners do not want to keep players whose contracts are running out.

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That thinking applies to Kovacic, who has not been offered a new deal. The 29-year-old Croatia international, who has spent five years at Stamford Bridge, is ready for a fresh challenge and he has been given permission to speak to City. The clubs are unlikely to have problems agreeing a fee.

Kovacic would welcome the chance to play for Guardiola, who could lose Ilkay Gündogan on a free transfer. Kalvin Phillips has struggled as Rodri’s deputy since leaving Leeds last summer.

United and Bayern are yet to firm up their interest in Kovacic. Chelsea need to recoup funds and cut their squad after spending £600m on signings since last summer. Pochettino is keen to rebuild his midfield and is interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Manuel Ugarte. Chelsea are yet to agree a new deal with