Chelsea confirm Mateo Kovacic transfer from Real Madrid in accidental online gaffe

Kovacic has been rumoured to join Chelsea permanently for weeks now, having joined on loan last summer from Real Madrid.

The Blues were hit with a transfer ban from FIFA earlier this season over the past recruitment of foreign minors.

Chelsea will be unable to sign any new players until after next January.

But Kovacic is someone the club have been keen on tying down to a long-term deal.

Although a deal is expected to be officially announced very soon, the cat’s pretty much out the bag already.

On Chelea’s official app The Fifth Stand, Chelsea accidentally released a story with Kovacic’s thoughts on signing a permanent contract with the club.

The article read: ”After securing a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge following a successful loan spell at Chelsea from Real Madrid, we caught up with Mateo Kovacic to find out what some of his first footballing memories are…”

A real announcement is expected to come tomorrow but in the meantime, Chelsea fans are still desperate to hear news about the managerial situation.

Frank Lampard is likely going to take over at Stamford Bridge after Maurizio Sarri left for Juventus earlier this month.

The Chelsea legend managed Derby last season, guiding them to the Championship play-off final.

Lampard will bring along former Chelsea man and assistant manager at Derby Jody Morris, alongside some Blues loanees.

Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori spent last season on loan with the Rams but will rejoin Chelsea with Lampard and Morris.

Tammy Abraham also spent time on loan last season but with Aston Villa, where former Chelsea captain John Terry is assistant manager.

Lampard is also expected to recall Abraham to his new Chelsea squad.

Kovacic will face stiff competition for a starting lineup place next season with French outcast Tiemoue Bakayoko also returning to west London.

source: express.co.uk