Manchester City are reportedly hoping to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic by the end of the month.
The Croatia international - who is currently away with his country for the UEFA Nations League Finals - will seemingly not be extending his Blues contract beyond the summer of 2024.
Kovacic was a key player for both Graham Potter and Frank Lampard last season, but he struggled with several minor injuries and has confirmed that he is likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.
Man City and Kovacic are already believed to have reached an agreement over personal terms, and the treble winners are now aiming to strike an agreement over a fee with Chelsea.
According to the Evening Standard, Man City are optimistic of sealing a deal within the next couple of weeks and are likely to pay £35m to sign the ex-Real Madrid man.
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Pep Guardiola is supposedly keen to have Kovacic in the ranks in time for the start of pre-season training, while Chelsea have their own incentive to get a sale done as they try to balance the books.
Kovacic prepares to leave Chelsea having recorded six goals and 15 assists in 221 games for the West London giants since joining on an initial season-long loan from Real Madrid in 2018.
The Blues signed him permanently for €45m (£38.5m) the following summer, and he has triumphed in the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup since arriving in the English capital.
Kovacic played 85 minutes of Croatia's 4-2 Nations League semi-final win over the Netherlands, and he is expected to start in Sunday's final against Spain for what would be his 95th senior cap.
The 29-year-old is on the verge of a move to Man City at a time where the Premier League champions are at risk of losing Ilkay Gundogan on a free transfer at the end of the season.
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The Citizens' captain is out of contract in two weeks' time and was recently named on Man City's released list, but negotiations over a new deal are believed to be ongoing.
However, Barcelona and Arsenal are both said to be lining up to present contracts to Gundogan, who has apparently been left dissatisfied with Man City's offer of a one-year renewal.
Bernardo Silva is also being tipped to move on amid fresh links with Paris Saint-Germain, but Man City are hopeful of warding off the French champions with a £75m asking price.
Kovacic is one of several Chelsea midfielders who could seek pastures new this summer, as N'Golo Kante is thought to be on the brink of joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad.
Manchester United are also lining up a fresh bid for Mason Mount after seeing their first offer rejected, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has apparently given the green light to a move to AC Milan.
Ben Knapton
