Sources: Man City to let Mateo Kovacic go
Man City are preparing to let Mateo Kovacic leave at the end of his contract next summer, sources have told Football Insider.
City's guilty charges have plunged the respective futures of the majority of their first team squad into uncertainty.
Kovacic was retained in the summer despite having less than a year left on his contract and several clubs being linked to his services.
The 32-year-old title winner was keen to prove himself to Maresca after holding talks with the club's hierarchy, but is struggling for regular game time right now.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, the current situation at the Etihad means he is set to leave when his contract expires next June if nothing changes.
City have appealed the verdict that found them guilty of breaching the Premier League's financial rules, but it remains to be seen when an outcome is reached.
Mateo Kovacic on course to leave Man City as charges loom
Kovacic has made 102 appearances for the Citizens since joining from Chelsea in 2023, but was limited to just nine games last season after suffering a serious achilles injury.
He is set to garner interest from several top clubs ahead of next summer, with a new contract at City unlikely as they await a major verdict on their future.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Everything's up in the air right now at City, so that'll affect Kovacic and everybody else to see what is eventually going to happen and what sanctions they might face if they fail with the appeal to overturn those guilty charges.
"Kovacic will have lot of options as a free agent next summer if he doesn't get a new contract, or if he wants to run down his contract at City as well.
"As it stands there are no contract talks and Kovacic will be leaving."
Rayan Cherki planning Man City exit in case of relegation
Cherki has shone for City, with four goals and two assists in eight appearances since the start of this season.
The Frenchman's impressive debut campaign and continued strong form have seen several top European clubs alerted to the possibility of signing him next summer.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Cherki will push to leave City if they are thrown out of the Premier League after appeal.
He is one of the most likely candidates to exit the club if they receive such a serious punishment, considering how highly rated he is across world football.