Manchester United are casting a watchful eye over Mateo Kovacic's contract situation at Chelsea, according to a report.
The Croatia international's long-term future has been called into question over the past couple of months, as his Stamford Bridge deal only runs until the end of next season.
Kovacic has been a regular fixture under all of Thomas Tuchel, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard this season, but the Blues could be facing an awkward situation this summer if no renewal is agreed.
Despite his status as one of Chelsea's experienced key players, the Blues are not believed to have opened talks over a new deal with Kovacic, who is keen to leave the club as a result.
Ex-Chelsea head coach Tuchel is rumoured to be keen on a reunion with Kovacic at Bayern Munich, while Manchester City have apparently identified the 29-year-old as an ideal replacement for Ilkay Gundogan.
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A fee of £40m could be enough to tempt Chelsea into a sale, and according to Football Insider, Man United have also expressed an interest in signing Kovacic this summer.
The report adds that contact was made between Chelsea and Kovacic's representatives to discuss a new deal, but those negotiations have now collapsed, and there is no indication that talks will restart.
As a result, Man United are now considering a bid for the former Real Madrid man, who has made 219 appearances for the Blues since initially joining on loan for the 2018-19 season.
Kovacic has scored six goals and set up 15 more for the Blues in that time, winning the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup in that time.
However, a mixed 2022-23 campaign has seen Kovacic score two goals and set up two more in 35 matches, starting just 16 Premier League matches due to injuries and competition for places.
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Enzo Fernandez, Carney Chukwuemeka, N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Denis Zakaria, Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also vying for starts, but the latter five are all being tipped to move on this summer.
The return of Andrey Santos from his loan spell at Vasco da Gama will also increase competition for minutes at Stamford Bridge, while Ecuadorian teenager Kendry Paez is due to join Chelsea in a £20m deal in 2025.
Man United reinforced their midfield last year with the astute acquisitions of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, while Marcel Sabitzer joined from Bayern Munich on transfer deadline day in January.
However, it is unclear if Sabitzer's move will be made permanent, while Scott McTominay is also being tipped to leave, having fallen down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag.
Ben Knapton
