Chelsea are lining up a shocking swoop for Real Madrid midfielder, Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatia international has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League in recent weeks and now Chelsea are in the lead to sign the World Cup star.

Manchester United are also chasing the 24-year-old, who is keen to quit the Bernabeu this summer.

Spanish newspaper, Marca yesterday claimed that Kovacic has snubbed the Red Devils due to Jose Mourinho’s negative tactics.

The newspaper claimed that United had made a £53m (€60m) bid for the midfielder, with Mourinho desperate to spend big to catch Manchester City.

But Italian outlet, Calciomercato reports that Chelsea are ready to up their interest in Kovacic before the transfer window shuts on August 9.

Chelsea have already signed Jorginho this summer.

Chelsea boss, Maurizio Sarri, had on Friday said that the club would sign at least a midfielder before the transfer window closes.