• Premier League

Leverkusen confirm Chelsea talks for Schurrle

ESPN staff
April 19, 2013
Roman Abramovich is closing in on his target © PA Photos
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Chelsea are edging closer to the signing of Germany international Andre Schurrle after Bayer Leverkusen officials travelled to London for negotiations.

Reports in the German media in recent days claimed Schurrle has agreed personal terms with the Blues, who had failed in an attempt to sign the 22-year-old last summer.

The Leverkusen midfielder is expected to sign a five-year contract in a deal that will reportedly cost Chelsea around €20 million, with Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne joining the Bundesliga club on loan as part of the deal.

"Yes, I was in London to negotiate," Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller told Bild. "There is nothing more to add. Nothing is decided yet."

Afterwards, Voller travelled to Brussels along with club official Michael Reschke to meet with De Bruyne's agents. Should De Bruyne, who is currently on loan at Werder Bremen, fail to agree to a move to Leverkusen, Schurrle may cost Chelsea €22 million plus bonuses, according to kicker.

On Friday, Leverkusen's communication director, Meinolf Sprink, stressed that, while the talks had occurred, there was no agreement in place.

"I can confirm the talks in London and the continuation of the journey to Brussels," Sprink said, "but right now our CEO, Wolfgang Holzhauser, is not in a position to make a decision. Moreover, the board of directors has not been involved yet."

In 60 Bundesliga games for Leverkusen, Schurrle has scored 16 goals. The former Mainz player has won 22 caps for Germany, scoring seven goals. His contract at Leverkusen ends in 2016.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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