• Premier League

De Bruyne hoping for January Chelsea talks

ESPN staff
October 20, 2011
Kevin De Bruyne has been likened to Enzo Scifo © PA Photos
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Genk star Kevin De Bruyne has confessed he is hoping for talks to begin between the Belgian club and Chelsea when the January transfer window opens.

The 20-year-old midfielder is viewed as one of Europe's brightest talents, and he managed to show glimpses of his quality despite Wednesday's 5-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is certainly a fan, likening the youngster to a Belgian legend.

''He's exceptionally gifted technically and reminds me of the old technical Belgian players like Enzo Scifo," Villas-Boas said earlier in the week.

Genk manager Mario Been has already admitted he would be open to selling De Bruyne to Chelsea, saying: ''I know that Kevin is a really great player and that Chelsea already talked about him. Chelsea look and want to buy all the big talents so, for me, it wouldn't be a surprise if Kevin went to Chelsea. Everyone's got his price.''

The player himself remains more realistic, admitting he may have to prove himself on a bigger stage before landing a move to the Premier League, but he has not given up hope of a January deal.

"I am not in the conversations between Genk and Chelsea but I hope it will be," De Bruyne said on Sky Sports News.

"Maybe [I will go] for a little lower team but maybe better than Genk, that is what I am trying to do. I am still young; I think I have maybe 12 or 15 years left for my career, so I will see. I have a lot of time to improve myself and I will continue to work hard."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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