Chelsea have reportedly made it a matter of priority to start contract extension talks with Mateo Kovacic.
The Croatian has established himself as one of the most important in the side since Graham Potter succeeded Thomas Tuchel as manager.
With less than two years remaining on his current deal, the Evening Standard report that Chelsea are eager to open talks after the World Cup over a new contract for Kovacic.
Kovacic, 28, joined Chelsea initially on loan in 2018 before going on to make the permanent switch to Stamford Bridge a year later.