Four-time Champions League winner and former Real Madrid star undergoes Manchester City medical ahead of transfer

Mateo Kovacic has undergone a medical at Manchester City ahead of a proposed £25 million switch from Chelsea.

The 29 year-old looks set to become Manchester City’s first signing of the summer, as the treble-winners seek to replace club captain Ilkay Gundogan and contend with the absence of Kevin De Bruyne for the start of the new season.

Gundogan is due to sign for La Liga champions Barcelona on a free transfer following the expiration of his City contract at the end of the month, while De Bruyne suffered a major hamstring injury during the first-half of the UEFA Champions League Final.

City had been pursuing a deal for new Real Madrid signing Jude Bellingham and have also recently registered an interest in West Ham captain Declan Rice, who is being targeted by Arsenal.

Chelsea and Croatia midfielder Mateo Kovacic isn’t expected to be a direct replacement for Gundogan, however Manchester City have acted swiftly to secure the signature of the 29 year-old, who’s contract at Stamford Bridge was due to expire in 2024.

Ahead of a proposed move to the Etihad Stadium, Jacob Steinberg has reported that the Croatian midfielder underwent a medical on Friday.

The recently crowned Premier League and European champions have agreed a £30 million deal with Chelsea for the player; paying an initial £25 million and an additional £5 million in potential add-ons.

Kovacic made 37 appearances for Chelsea last season, and has spent five-years at the West London club, having initially moved to Stamford Bridge from Real Madrid on loan.

The 29 year-old made his transfer from Spain to England permanent in 2019 and has won the UEFA Champions League and Europa League during his time with Chelsea.

Kovacic has also won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid and featured for Croatia at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year.

As well as the 29 year-old, the Sky Blues are also widely reported to be targeting fellow Croatian Josko Gvardiol, with the RB Leipzig defender considered as a replacement for Aymeric Laporte, who is expected to leave the club this summer.