Bayern Munich have been encouraged in their interest for Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
With a year to run on his Chelsea deal, Kovacic could become available this summer.
Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel is keen on a reunion, having successfully worked with the Croatian while in charge of Chelsea.
Tuchel is seeking a new No6 and sees Kovacic as a priority target.
And Bayern have been boosted as the London Evening Standard reports Chelsea would prefer to sell the midfielder to a club outside England if possible.
Manchester City and Newcastle are also monitoring developments.