“Manchester United joins race for contract rebel Kovacic as Chelsea accepts departure”

Chelsea have accepted that Mateo Kovacic is likely to leave the club this summer, with Manchester United joining the growing list of clubs interested in signing him. The 29-year-old midfielder has been an important player for the Blues since joining from Real Madrid in 2018, but he is out of contract in the summer of 2024 and now looks extremely unlikely to agree an extension. Bayern Munich are keen to be reunited with the Croatian midfielder in Bavaria, and Manchester City are also believed to be very keen on Kovacic and have even opened talks with his camp. Chelsea have all but given up hope of convincing Kovacic to pen fresh terms and are resigned to cashing in on the former Inter man when the transfer window opens. Manchester United are also keen on signing the Croatia international, with Erik ten Hag eager to add more athleticism and tactical nous to his midfield. In addition to listening to offers for Kovacic, the Blues’ hierarchy are also willing to cash in on Mason Mount if he does not commit to fresh terms this summer.