Manchester City will try to lure Mateo Kovacic to their squad

Manchester City have reportedly taken steps towards negotiations with Chelsea’s midfielder Mateo Kovacic in bid to lure the 29-year-old to Etihad.

The transfer fee is still undisclosed but the London team have given their permission to Kovacic to speak to the Premier League champions.

Bayern Munich and Manchester United are also candidates for the Croatian signature, but it is believed he is keen to link up with Pep Guardiola.

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City are in search of midfielder after dropping out of the race for Jude Bellingham, who seems destined to wear the Real Madrid shirt next season. Ilkay Gundogan contract expires in the summer and rumours have emerged the German international may not be too keen to renew it.

Kovacic has made 221 appearances for the Blues since he joined them from Real Madrid in 2018. In his 5-year spell at Stamford Bridge he has won the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.