Chelsea transfer boost as Manchester City pull out of running for £80million star

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Chelsea have reportedly been handed a major transfer boost regarding their rumoured target Mateo Kovacic as Manchester City baulk at his asking price.

The Croatia international is seemingly attracting plenty of interest this summer, with Don Balon recently claiming Chelsea were considering paying big to bring him to Stamford Bridge.

MORE: Chelsea star in Spain as final decision on Real Madrid transfer imminent

Chelsea have already signed Jorginho in midfield, but more additions in that area could be useful as another Don Balon report claims N’Golo Kante is a top target for Real Madrid.

Given that would leave CFC with just the likes of Danny Drinkwater, Tiemoue Bakayoko and Ross Barkley to choose alongside Jorginho, it is little wonder another midfield signing seems a priority, with Lazio starlet Sergej Milinkovic-Savic also on the club’s radar, according to Corriere dello Sport, as translated by Calciomercato.

Mateo Kovacic has been linked with Chelsea and Manchester City

Kovacic seems another good option despite his lack of regular playing time at Real Madrid, and Sky Sports suggest City are not going to pursue him because he’s too expensive at £80million.

It remains to be seen, of course, if Chelsea would be willing to pay that, but they could have plenty to spend as the Times link Eden Hazard as a target for Real Madrid, with the west Londoners’ asking price at £200m or more.

More Stories Mateo Kovacic N'Golo Kante Sergej Milinkovic-Savic