Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is now said to be keen to sign a certain Chelsea star after effectively missing out on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham.
The Citizens were among a long list of top clubs interested in the England sensation, but were dealt a blow earlier this month when it was revealed that the 19-year-old is closing in on a move to Real Madrid.
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This has prompted the Manchester giants to explore other options, with the arrival of a new midfielder likely to be crucial given that both Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan could leave the club at the end of the season, with the latter said to be a top priority for FC Barcelona when his contract expires in June.
Kalvin Phillips has also failed to deliver at the Etihad since arriving from Leeds United at the beginning of this season and a premature exit is thought to be a serious possibility, which would further reduce Guardiola's midfield options.
According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, the Spanish tactician has now identified Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic as his next target for the centre of the park.
Guardiola is said to appreciate the former Real Madrid star's ball-carrying ability and tactical intelligence.
A massive exodus is believed to be looming at Stamford Bridge, and there have been some suggestions that the out-of-sorts London club could cash in on their Croatian playmaker, whose contract expires in June 2024.
Per The Guardian, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are also monitoring the situation as there are no indications that the 29-year-old will extend his contract at Chelsea, with the Bluess believed to have given up on trying to convince the player to stay beyond the current campaign as well.
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