Chelsea have granted Manchester City permission to speak to Mateo Kovacic over a potential deal this summer, according to reports.
The midfielder looks set to move on from Stamford Bridge now the season has concluded and a number of clubs are believed to be interested in him.
Premier League champions City are among them, as reported by Mail Sport, and they look to be closing in on securing his signature with initial talks held.
The Athletic claim that dialogue over the switch has been exchanged between both clubs, although a fee is yet to be discussed.