Sources: Man City make Mateo Kovacic transfer decision with another midfield arrival expected

Mateo Kovacic is likely to leave Manchester City this summer and has been told that he is free to find a new club, sources have told Football Insider.

The 32-year-old has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and sources have revealed that he is "surplus to requirements".

The midfielder impressed in Croatia's narrow World Cup exit to Portugal on Friday with a dynamic all-round display.

But Kovacic spent almost the entirety of the domestic season out with an ankle injury, making just nine appearances across all competitions for Man City.

With another midfielder expected to arrive after Elliot Anderson's £116million move from Nottingham Forest, transfer chiefs must make space.

Man City had reportedly been willing to enter the race for Sandro Tonali, but Tottenham have now sealed a £100m deal with Newcastle United.

Mateo Kovacic to attract suitors after World Cup displays

Kovacic joined Man City from Chelsea in 2023, joining in a deal reportedly worth £25m.

The 32-year-old has made 97 appearances since, providing a reliable and quality option for his first two seasons at the club.

After such an injury-hit campaign, the midfielder's World Cup displays have been an impressive reminder of the quality that remains.

Kovacic did not start the opener against England, but provided an assist in a strong performance against Ghana to see Croatia out of the group stages.

And against Portugal, the Man City midfielder appeared determined to get Zlatko Dalic's side to the round of 16.

With the scores locked at 1-1, Kovacic picked up the ball and drove past Joao Neves with ease, before looking to place the ball into the corner.

The shot was turned onto the post, and Diogo Costa was there to save when the ball found its way back to Kovacic for a second shot.

The four-time Champions League winner took three shots in total, in a game that served as a reminder of his ability.

What Kovacic said at the end of the season

Kovacic is yet to publicly state his intentions ahead of this summer, with several clubs reportedly interested in a potential move.

At the end of the season, the midfielder took to Instagram and in a post, wrote: "Thank you to the fans for your support this season.

"A privilege to share the pitch and dressing room with these legends. Pep Guardiola, Bernardo Silva and John Stones, thank you for everything. We will miss you."

It remains to be seen where Kovacic well end up himself, should he agree to leave the club.