Manchester City have opened talks with Chelsea for Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatia midfielder has a year to run on his Blues deal and is available this summer with the club batting Financial Fair Play issues.

The London Evening Standard says champions City have made their move this week and talks have kicked off.

Kovacic is eager to see the deal happen and there is confidence on both sides for it to be completed.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino won't stand in Kovacic's way as he seeks to reshape the squad he has inherited.