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Schurrle set to join Chelsea, says Bayer chief

Andre Schurrle was tipped to move to Chelsea a year ago © PA Photos

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Bayer Leverkusen forward Andre Schurrle is on his way to Chelsea and may already have signed a pre-contract agreement, according to the Bundesliga club's general manager.

Schurrle, 22, has long been linked with the Blues and was tipped to move to Stamford Bridge last summer, only for a move to fall through.

However, the Germany international has stayed on the Blues radar and they have reportedly already put in a bid for him which is under consideration.

Leverkusen chief Wolfgang Holzhauser admitted he expects Schurrle, who has scored 11 league goals this season, to seal a transfer to Stamford Bridge.

"Andre Schurrle has probably signed a pre-contract deal with Chelsea,'' Holzhauser is quoted as saying by Kicker magazine. "It all depends on whether we let him go. We have received a concrete offer for a fee which we are considering.

"But the price alone is not decisive. We must also have alternatives, which we don't have yet.''

One such alternative is Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, who may be used as a makeweight in any summer deal after impressing in the Bundesliga while on loan at Werder Bremen this season.

Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund have also been linked with De Bruyne, though, and Holzhauser is uncertain Leverkusen will be able to tempt the 21-year-old Belgian.

"He still has a few talks to hold with Chelsea,'' Holzhauser said. "It looks like there is an offer from Dortmund to sign the player for a relatively high fee.

"According to our information, Chelsea don't want to sell him but just loan him out.''

Holzhauser confirmed Leverkusen have not yet spoken with De Bruyne to "find out if he actually wants to come to us and, if so, on what conditions.''

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.