Chelsea have made a decision to turn Mateo Kovcic’s loan into a permanent deal and have reportedly agreed a £45 million with Real Madrid.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports that the Blues have decided to retain Kovacic’s services despite Real’s big asking price.
The Croatian is the only signing new manager Frank Lampard will be allowed to make and he is believed to have been consulted on whether he wanted to bring in the midfielder.
He also made 12 appearances in the club’s successful run to the Europa League final,