The 24-year-old's driving runs and intricate passing has been a regular feature in Chelsea's midfield this term. And according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have opened discussions with Real over signing Kovacic on a permanent basis. The midfielder has featured 17 times this season for Maurizio Sarri, starting in 13 of those games. Chelsea will fear that Kovacic will be used as bait in a potential deal by Madrid to have Hazard move to the Bernabeu. READ MORE: WHICH LONDON CLUB ARE LOOKING TO BATTLE CHELSEA FOR KOVACICHazard has been increasingly linked with Real Madrid this season

Source: Express December 06, 2018 09:56 UTC