CHELSEA want to kick-off contract negotiations with Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.
The Croatian has emerged as a key man in the heart of Graham Potter’s midfield in recent weeks.
Amid uncertainty surrounding Kovacic’s fellow midfield stalwarts N’Golo Kante and Jorginho, the Blues want to tie the 28-year-old down.
Both Kante and Jorginho are set to be out of contract at the end of the season, with neither close to signing an extension at present.
Kovacic, meanwhile, is contracted until 2024.