• Premier League

Schurrle closes in on Chelsea switch

ESPN staff
April 17, 2013
Andre Schurrle is widely tipped to join Chelsea © PA Photos
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Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle has agreed personal terms with Chelsea, with the Blues ready to spend €22 million to bring the attacking midfielder to Stamford Bridge, Die Welt has reported.

The paper said Schurrle, 22, could sign a contract until 2018. Leverkusen officials will travel to London on Friday to negotiate the details of a deal which, with the player's wages included, could be worth around €50 million.

Chelsea had made an offer for Schurrle before the start of the season - something the Germany international described as "an honour" - but it was rejected by Leverkusen.

Now, however, they could be ready to sell. General manager Rudi Voller, speaking earlier this month, said: "That we should consider the offer is all part of business. It is all in our hands."

Leverkusen are likely to attempt to replace Schurrle with 21-year-old Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who has impressed several Bundesliga clubs while on loan at Werder Bremen this season.

"Bayer Leverkusen is a very good option," De Bruyne's agent, Patrick de Koster, told Die Welt. "They will play in the Champions League next season, and Kevin could take Andre Schurrle's role.

"Kevin wants to further his career, and Leverkusen could be the right destination."

But Leverkusen face a difficult task to persuade Chelsea to sell the Belgium international, with the Londoners reportedly only interested in sending him out on loan again.

"They are eying another loan," De Koster said. "Beside Leverkusen, Dortmund and Schalke are among the clubs interested."

Earlier this week, Rheinische Post reported that Dortmund were ready to offer €17 million for De Bruyne.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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