Julen Lopetegui has confirmed that Chelsea target Mateo Kovacic has asked to leave Real Madrid.
Kovacic completed a move from Inter Milan to Madrid back in 2015 but a lack of game-time at the Bernabeu means the 24-year-old is keen for a move ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Reports suggest Madrid have given up trying to convince Kovacic to stay and the Croatian is set to join Chelsea on loan, with official confirmation expected in the coming hours.
The midfielder is understood to have jetted into London for a medical as Chelsea look to wrap up their third signing of the summer.
New Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri added Jorginho to his ranks last month and the Italian has been on the lookout for another midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Asked about the speculation surrounding Kovacic, Madrid boss Lopetegui responded: 'It's true that Kovacic has expressed his desire to leave.
'I wanted him to stay as he is important for us but it is true that nothing is 100 per cent yet.
'There is no deal done for him yet. If he leaves we will have to find another player of his level and we well look for solutions.'
Sarri confirmed earlier this week that Chelsea are still looking to land another midfielder this summer.
'I think we need something, but maybe only a player,' Sarri said.
'We have very good midfielders, but maybe a midfielder with different characteristics would be a good fit.'
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