Chelsea: Kovacic set to join Blues on loan from Real Madrid
Julen Lopetegui is unhappy with the demands Mateo Kovacic is making and has told Real Madrid chiefs to sort out his departure.
Mateo Kovacic is set to join Chelsea on loan after Real Madrid's head coach, Julen Lopetegui, met club chiefs in New York to make it plain that he has lost patience with the wantaway midfielder. It is understood that the two clubs are close to confirming an agreement over a season-long deal.
Lopetegui tells Real Madrid to sort Kovacic exit
Real boss unhappy with Kovacic's stance
Lopetegui cannot understand the demands Kovacic has made, having been told by the player in their July talks that only a guaranteed starting spot would convince him to stay. He is not in a position to offer such assurances, and doesn't want anyone his squad who'd rather not be at the club.
Real don't want Kovacic to leave for good
Real Madrid do not want to lose Kovacic permanently, so have sought an interim solution: a year-long move to Chelsea, who made their interest in the former Inter Milan man known to the European champions during negotiations over Thibaut Courtois' move in the opposite direction.