Man Utd join Liverpool and Man City in race to sign Chelsea star Mateo Kovacic

Manchester United have joined Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic, according to reports.

All three of Chelsea's Premier League rivals are thought to want to sign the Croatia international as they look to upgrade their midfield this summer.

The Red Devils have been short of options in midfield this season following an injury to Christian Eriksen in January, which forced Erik ten Hag to invest in the winter transfer market, signing Marcel Sabitzer from Bayern Munich on loan.

Meanwhile Liverpool have experienced a plague of injuries to their midfield, as Jurgen Klopp eyes a major overhaul this summer.

Kovacic has started Chelsea's last four matches, scoring in the Blues' 3-1 Premier League victory over Leicester earlier this month.

However, he has emerged as a potential target for other clubs, with the 28-year-old thought to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

Man Utd to rival Liverpool for Kovacic

Kovacic's current deal is due to expire in the summer of 2024, and the midfielder is one of 14 rumoured with an exit as part of a mass clear-out this summer.

Manchester United are said to have joined Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for his signature, viewing the midfielder as a 'consummate professional', claim 90min.

Indeed, Chelsea's new strategy of tying players down to long-term contracts may prompt other clubs to try and sign players on the cheap, citing Jorginho's January move to Arsenal as proof of Chelsea's willingness to sell to rivals.

Whilst Todd Boehly is reportedly keen to ensure no player leaves for free, indicating Kovacic is likely to depart this summer assuming he doesn't sign a new contract at Chelsea.

Kovacic has also been linked with a move abroad. Italian news outlet Pianeta Milan suggested that the midfielder 'offered himself' to AC Milan because he 'wants to leave the Blues at the end of the season'.

Fellow Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has also been rumoured with a move away after contract talks came to a head this week.

Liverpool are said to be frontrunners to sign the 24-year-old should both parties fail to reach an agreement, whist Manchester United are also said to be keeping tabs.