Chelsea
have reached an agreement with Real Madrid over the permanent signing of
Mateo Kovacic, according to Sky sources.
Despite Chelsea's transfer ban, midfielder Kovacic can be signed because he
is registered with the club following his loan spell last season.
That loan deal expires on June 30 - so Chelsea need to finalise the
permanent deal before then.
And Chelsea have agreed a fee of 45 million euros (£40.25m) with Real for
the Croatia international.
Juventus forward Gonzalo Higuain was also on loan at Stamford Bridge last
season but the Europa League winners are not expected to try and retain his
services.
Kovacic was a key member of the Europa League winning squad and the
25-year-old also made 32 appearances in the Premier League.
The serious injury suffered by Ruben Loftus-Cheek at the end of last season
meant Chelsea would have been short of options in midfield if Kovacic had
not been retained.
He could be working with Frank Lampard next season - Chelsea's all-time
leading goal scorer has been cleared to speak with the club about the
manager's position following Maurizio Sarri's departure.
How can Chelsea sign Kovacic?
Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol explains how Chelsea, despite being
banned from making transfers for two windows, can still sign Kovacic.
"Kovacic was on loan at Chelsea last season from Real Madrid and as part of
his loan agreement there was a clause giving Chelsea the option to make the
move permanent for £45m before June 30.
"And it looks like Chelsea have exercised that option and sign the Croat on
a permanent deal."
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