Chelsea will have to move quickly if they want to re-sign Real Madrid's out-of-favour midfielder Mateo Kovacic.
Kovacic spent last season on loan at Stamford Bridge and is believed to be interested in extending his temporary spell in London or signing on a permanent basis.
But Chelsea face an impending two-window transfer ban and have less than a week to make a decision on the Croatia international's future.
Kovacic is already a registered player at the club, but Goal has claimed that they must inform Madrid of their transfer stance before July 1.
The 25-year-old has been deemed surplus to requirements by Bernabeu boss Zinedine Zidane, who is looking to bolster his midfield ranks with the signing of Manchester United star Paul Pogba.
Former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri wanted to keep Kovacic in west London, but his switch to Juventus could change the situation.
Frank Lampard, the Chelsea legend who is currently in charge of Derby, looks set to return to Stamford Bridge as Sarri's replacement.
But it remains to be seen if Lampard will want to sign Kovacic, and it is believed uncertainty over Chelsea's managerial situation is delaying Kovacic's move.
Given Chelsea are unable to sign any new players that are not yet registered to the club, Lampard may be keen to have Kovacic among his ranks.
Fellow midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has suffered a long-term injury, another reason why Chelsea could opt to extend the Croatia star's stay.
Kovacic enjoyed regular first-team football under Sarri last season, making 51 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.
