Chelsea have inadvertently confirmed the permanent signing of Mateo Kovacic from Real Madrid after posting on an official club app by mistake.
In an interview titled 'My Footballing Firsts" on 'The Fifth Stand' app, it was revealed that Kovacic had completed his move from the Spanish club.
The post began: "After securing a permanent switch to Stamford Bridge following a successful loan spell at Chelsea from Real Madrid, we caught up with Mateo Kovacic..." before detailing the rest of the interview.
It even contained quotes from Kovacic on the transfer, who said: "It was an amazing feeling to sign for Chelsea, first on loan and now permanently.
"It is a fantastic club, with great team-mates and we play a good style of football.
"I am very happy to be staying here and very proud to be a Chelsea player."
Recent speculation suggested that Chelsea were set to finalise a deal worth £45 million for Kovacic to stay at the club after a successful loan spell last season.
Chelsea are currently banned from signing players for two transfer windows after being found guilty of breaching FIFA rules around the transfers of minors.
However as Kovacic is already registered with the Blues following his loan, Chelsea can sign him whilst banned, providing they can get the deal done by July 1.
Kovacic's loan agreement ends on June 30, meaning Chelsea must get the necessary paperwork completed by Monday.
An official announcement from the club is expected to come on Sunday, and the post on the app was not due to be added until after that time.
Should the transfer be finalised, which now looks certain, Kovacic could be the last player Chelsea can sign until the summer of 2020.
Meanwhile talks are still ongoing between the London club and former player Frank Lampard over the vacant managerial post.
Chelsea approached Lampard about the role after being given permission by his current club Derby.
