The 29-year-old 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.
Kovacic’s precarious contract situation has already alerted Bayern Munich, with Thomas Tuchel keen to be reunited with the Croatian midfielder in Bavaria.
Manchester City are also believed to be very keen on Kovacic and have even opened talks with his camp, with the midfielder potentially replacing contract rebel Ilkay Gundogan at the Etihad.
Now The Guardian are reporting that 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.
The west Londoners have a massively bloated squad and need to clear out a host of players this summer before they can think about adding new additions to the team.
While they would ideally like to offload fringe players, there is a recognition that many of their surplus-to-requirements outcasts will not generate much in the way of funds.
Kovacic, though, is likely to command a sizeable fee despite only having one year left on his contract – particularly with such an illustrious queue of suitors starting to form.
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 – two boxes that Kovacic ticks.
The Red Devils have been looking at West Ham skipper Declan Rice, but, with the Irons likely to demand in excess of £100million, Kovacic could represent a better value target.
Chelsea now have a policy of avoiding letting players enter the final year of their contracts having been stung by the departures of Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers.
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.
For his part, Kovacic is thought to be keen to make a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer irrespective of a new manager being appointed and would like to continue playing in the Champions League – whereas Chelsea will not even be playing in Europe at all next season.
MORE : Neymar open to Paris Saint-Germain exit as Chelsea consider summer transfer
MORE : Mauricio Pochettino’s stance on Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount amid Man Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal links
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