Chelsea are pulling back from plans to buy outright Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic.

The London Evening Standard says Chelsea are cooling on the prospect of signing Kovacic.

Blues bosses can sign the Real Madrid midfielder on a permanent basis, despite their transfer ban.

That is because he will not be considered a new addition as he is already registered.

Maurizio Sarri was eager to keep Kovacic but his imminent exit to Juventus has cast doubt on the Croatian's future.