Man Utd plotting surprise move for Mateo Kovacic after Jose Mourinho snub

Manchester United are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic this summer, according to reports.

Erik ten Hag is in the market for midfield recruits this summer, with the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred rumoured with Old Trafford exits.

While Marcel Sabitzer is expected to return to Bayern Munich at the end of the season unless United sign him on a permanent basis.

In turn, Chelsea's Kovacic has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, according to The Guardian.

The Croatia international has just one year left on his current deal at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues allegedly resigned to losing him this summer.

Indeed, with Chelsea's lack of European football next season, and the pressure to raise funds in order to comply with Financial Fair Play guidelines, Kovacic's departure looks to be a certainty.

However, United are not alone in their interest, with local rivals Manchester City and Bayern Munich reportedly keen on the 29-year-old.

While he may have his own reservations about joining United, after rejecting them almost five years ago.

Why did Kovacic reject Man Utd?

This isn't the first time United have tried to sign Kovacic, with Jose Mourinho failing to land his signature back in 2018.

Mourinho reportedly submitted an offer to Real Madrid for Kovacic when he was in charge at Old Trafford back in 2018.

However, the midfielder opted to join Chelsea instead due to concerns over the Portuguese manager's playing style, claimed Spanish news outlet Marca.

Mourinho endured a tumultuous downfall at the helm of United, and was eventually dismissed from the hot seat, paving the way for Ole Gunnar Solskjær's arrival.

Ten Hag will hope his playing style is a more attractive proposition to Kovacic this time round, but must compete with the offer of reuniting with former manager Thomas Tuchel at Bayern.