Chelsea want to agree fresh terms with midfielder

Chelsea are reportedly planning to open contract negotiations with midfielder Mateo Kovacic following the World Cup this winter.

The 28-year-old is entering the final 18 months of his current deal at Stamford Bridge and the hierarchy are keen to prolong his stay.

The Croatian has struggled with occasional injuries, but continues to remain a key player for the west London giants under Graham Potter.

Aside from Kovacic, the club are also in talks over a renewal with Jorginho, but there has been an impasse in discussions recently.

Jorginho has asked for a pay rise from £120,000-a-week to £150,000-a-week and Chelsea are yet to respond to his salary demands.

N'Golo Kante is another player that the Blues want to keep, but an extension is unlikely unless he accepts a significant pay-cut.

He is currently on a staggering £290,000-a-week and the Blues have no plans of paying him the same amid injury problems.

Kante is presently out for four months with a hamstring injury.