Chelsea handed boost – as they could still sign Real Madrid midfielder under transfer ban

The Telegraph report that Chelsea are more likley to sign Kovacic now that Ruben Loftus-Cheek has sustained a long-term injury. Loftus-Cheek ruptured his achilles in a pre-Europa League final friendly in Boston and is thought to be out for up to a year. Chelsea, who are appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to have their ban overturned, thought that Loftus-Cheek might blossom as a benficiary of such a ban. However, they are now reportedly keen to make Kovacic’s loan a permanant one to make up numbers in midfield. It was thought Kovacic may move to Zenit St Petersburg after failing to make an impact at Chelsea, but the Stamford Bridge side could turn to the Croatian international long-term. Chelsea are less keen to extend Gonzalo Higuain’s stay at Stamford Bridge. It would cost them £15m to activate a further year-long loan spell, or £31m to sign the 31-year-old permanently. NOW TRY… Who might step into Allegri’s shoes at Juventus? Quiz! Name the FA Cup finalists since 1900 Topics Chelsea, Real Madrid, Mateo Kovacic, Juventus, Gonzalo Higuaín, Transfer news Inter ‘always interested in a guy like Kovacic’ – Ausilio Chelsea secure loan signing of Real Madrid’s Kovacic Kovacic to fight for his place at Real Madrid Real Madrid will never sell Kovacic, says director Sanchez Charlton heading to Wembley after downing Doncaster on penalties Robertson savages ‘obnoxious and arrogant’ official as Inverness lose play-off Guardiola: City players must start from square one next season De Bruyne determined to end season on high with FA Cup success Dundee Utd sink Inverness to reach Premiership play-off final Barcelona ‘willing to pay’ Manchester City target’s release clause 6 players Real Madrid could sign to get back among Europe’s elite 6 players Liverpool could sign to topple Manchester City in 2019/20 Agent says ‘there is a good chance’ Manchester United target will move this summer Quiz! Can you name the most-used new player by every Premier League team in 2018/19?