Chelsea would have to pay a minimum of £50 million in order to sign Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid on a permanent basis.
Writing for the London Evening Standard, Simon Johnson explains that it is looking more and more likely that the Croatian will not be at Stamford Bridge next season.
The 24-year-old has impressed since joining the club on loan but has remained coy about the prospect of staying with the Blues on a permanent basis.
The player is still highly thought of at Real Madrid and boasts a humongous £262 million release clause in his contract at the Bernabeu.
Chelsea will not consider activating the clause for such a price, but should they try to negotiate a deal, it is believed that £50 million would be the minimum amount required.
The Blues will have a decision to make going into the summer, with the development of English trio Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and on-loan star Mason Mount likely to be a key factor in any decision.
