Chelsea have granted Premier League rival Manchester City the permission to speak to Mateo Kovacic ahead of a potential move this summer, according to The Athletic.

The report adds: “Kovacic, 29, has attracted interest from other clubs including Bayern Munich but the former Real Madrid midfielder wants to join Premier League champions Manchester City.

“Initial dialogue over a deal has been exchanged between the two clubs with Manchester City making Chelsea aware of their interest. A fee is yet to be discussed.

“Kovacic has just one more year left to run on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

“He has made 221 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club on an initial loan deal from Real Madrid in August 2018. “