Chelsea transfer news: Kovacic wanted by Zenit after struggling at Stamford Bridge

CHELSEA midfielder Mateo Kovacic is reportedly in talks to join Zenit St Petersburg.

The Croatian, 24, arrived at Stamford Bridge from on loan from Real Madrid last summer.

Blues Maurizio Sarri recently revealed his wish to make the move permanent.

But with his own future in the Chelsea hot-seat in doubt, the club’s looming transfer ban and with no option to buy inserted in to the loan agreement, that deal looks unlikely.

Now the Daily Mail claim Kovacic’s representatives are working on the star’s next destination.

And their report states the ace’s agents have already held discussions with the Russian giants.

Speaking on the prospect of capturing Kovacic long–term, Sarri said last month: “I want to try with Kovacic.

“He is only on loan, of course, but I’d like very much that Kovacic will stay with us.

“You know very well that, in that position, we have some problems because we have only Jorginho.

“In my opinion, Kovacic could become a very good central midfielder.”

Despite Zinedine Zidane’s return as manager at Madrid, Kovacic still appears to have no future at the Bernabeu with the French legend happy to let him depart.

Kovacic has appeared 43 for Chelsea under Sarri but supporters remain unconvinced despite the coach’s faith.

He and Ross Barkley have often been alternated in midfield as the Blues look to seal a top four spot and claim Europa League glory.

Zenit are top of the Russian top-flight and count former Chelsea favourite Branislav Ivanovic among their squad.