Chelsea are planning to open negotiations over a new Stamford Bridge contract with Mateo Kovacic after the World Cup, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
Graham Potter, who was appointed as the Blues’ head coach last month, is keen to tie the central midfielder down to fresh terms.
What’s the latest news involving Kovacic?
Although Kovacic is due to enter the final 18 months of his £150,000-per-week contract at the turn of the year, Chelsea are eager to end uncertainty over his long-term future by putting a new deal on the table.
According to the Evening Standard, the west Londoners are looking to begin discussions after the World Cup, which gets underway next month.
The report suggests Kovacic, who will head to Qatar having won 83 international caps for Croatia, is open to holding talks after settling in the capital.
Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League’s last 16 after sealing a 2-1 win over Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg in midweek, with Kovacic grabbing a stunning opener.
But his evening ended on a sour note as the 28-year-old was forced off with an injury which Potter later confirmed was a calf problem.
Read more: World Cup 2022: Dates, Schedule, Location, Groups, Tickets, Odds And More
What has Simon Phillips said about Kovacic?
Phillips understands that Chelsea are preparing to head to the negotiating table and will hold talks with Kovacic over a new contract after he returns from the World Cup.
The journalist is aware that Potter and Todd Boehly, who led a £4.25billion takeover of the Blues in May, are huge admirers of the former Inter Milan man.
Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “How far along are Kovacic’s new contract talks? They haven’t started yet.
“Chelsea plan to start them after the World Cup. They love him, Graham Potter loves him and Todd Boehly loves him.”
Why are Chelsea looking to hand Kovacic a new contract?
Not only is Kovacic approaching the final year-and-a-half of his current deal, but he has made close to 200 appearances for Chelsea and developed into a key man for Potter.
Having initially made the move to Stamford Bridge on loan from Real Madrid, before completing a permanent switch worth just over £40million, he has not disappointed.
Kovacic has won four trophies during his time with Chelsea – including the Champions League – and he is not the only central midfielder with an uncertain future.
As it stands, Jorginho and N’Golo Kante will walk away from the club next summer, when their respective contracts expire, while Denis Zakaria’s loan from Juventus will also come to an end, so reaching an agreement with Kovacic is vital.
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