Chelsea are poised to sign Real Madrid midfielder Mateo Kovacic on a permanent basis, according to Sky Sports.

The Blues have until the end of the month to decide whether they want to keep the Croatian international and it seems, with a few days to go, they have made their decision.

Whether prospective new manager Frank Lampard has been involved in the process to keep Kovacic, it remains to be seen.

It has been speculated that Real have asked for €50m (£45m) in order for Chelsea to sign the 25-year-old.

That would be a very steep figure considering Kovacic’s performances in a Blues shirt during his loan spell with the club.

Last campaign, he made 51 appearances, scoring no goals and providing two assists. With the club’s transfer ban, though, Chelsea are limited in their options.

As Kovacic is already registered with the club, they can sign the Croatian and it appears they want to retain the player’s services in order to add depth in midfield.