Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea midfielders Mateo Kovacic along with Mason Mount.
Chelsea have a number of players who are quickly approaching the final 12 months of their respective contracts at Stamford Bridge.
Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are among those whose deals expire in 2024 along with midfielders Kovacic and Mount.
According to the Telegraph, the situation has alerted Pep Guardiola who is a huge fan of Croatia international Kovacic and was thought to have been interested in signing him for City in the past.
The 28-year-old joined Chelsea on an initial loan deal from Real Madrid in 2018, making the arrangement permanent the following year.
Guardiola was seen approaching Kovacic following City’s 1-0 win over Chelsea in January.
Should Kovacic not sign a new contract with the Blues, City could make their move in a summer where major changes in midfield could take place.
City are among the host of clubs hoping to sign Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund but the futures of a number of current first-team stars is uncertain.
Ilkay Gundogan is in the final six months of his contract with Barcelona thought to be keen to sign the Germany international on a free transfer.
Bernardo Silva has also been heavily linked with a move to the Camp Nou over the last year and has suggested he would be keen to explore a ‘new project’ away from Manchester with Paris Saint-Germain also interested.
Kalvin Phillips meanwhile has had little impact at the club since his summer move from Leeds United.
In addition to Kovacic, City are also among the clubs interested in signing Mount should he fail to agree fresh terms with Chelsea.
Prolonged talks between the club and player have dragged with Liverpool and Manchester United also showing interest in the England international.
Chelsea will not allow the 24-year-old is leave on a free transfer in 2024 and unless a new contract is arranged in the coming months, the club will look to sell him at the end of the season.
