Kovacic set for Chelsea exit with two Manchester clubs heavily linked

Mateo Kovacic has one year left on his Chelsea contract and his future at the club has been in doubt for several months. 

Chelsea's lack of European football next season means they need to cut down on a bloated squad and the Croatian will likely be allowed to depart.

According to Chelsea Chronicle, Kovacic will be the first of several departures and he would be expected to fetch a reasonable fee with Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City ready to jump in the ring for his services.

Chelsea are looking to the future and the big-money signing of Enzo Fernandez means the slot in deep-lying midfield is occupied for the foreseeable future and the club are still in talks to extend N'Golo Kante's contract.

Kovacic joined Chelsea on loan in 2018 before the Blues made his move permanent a year later, owing to his impressive performances.