Manchester City line up Mateo Kovacic as Ilkay Gundogan replacement?

Manchester City have reportedly identified Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic as a potential replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.

The Man City captain has featured regularly for Pep Guardiola's side this season, registering five goals and five assists in 41 competitive appearances.

However, his future at the Etihad Stadium is shrouded in uncertainty, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

As it stands, Gundogan will leave on a free transfer this summer, and Barcelona are growing confident of securing his signature.

Man City have already begun their search for a new midfielder, with Borussia Dortmund star Jude Bellingham believed to be at the top of their list of targets.

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Signing Bellingham will be far from straightforward forward though, as Dortmund are set to hold out for a fee in the region of £125m.

The Citizens are also facing competition from Real Madrid, who could include Brahim Diaz in a potential deal as they look to beat Man City to Bellingham's signature.

The reigning Premier League champions are also targeting other midfield options, and according to Give Me Sport, they are interested in signing Kovacic from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Kovacic has been with the West London club since joining in 2018 on an initial loan spell from Real Madrid, before signing on a permanent deal a year later.

With his Chelsea contract set to expire in the summer of 2024, there is uncertainty surrounding his future with the club.

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Chelsea are expected to make a decision on his future before he enters the final 12 months of his deal, and Man City are believed to be monitoring the situation carefully.

If the Blues decide against offering the Croatia international a new deal then they are likely to listen to offers in the summer transfer window.

Real Madrid are also interested in re-signing Kovacic, who made 108 appearances during his time with the Spanish giants.

Kovacic has featured regularly for Chelsea this season, contributing two goals and one assist in 33 competitive appearances.