Chelsea ready to reel in Marco Reus by sacrificing Andre Schurrle

Chelsea (6/1 with Coral to lift the Champions League) are being linked with a sensational January swap deal for Borussia Dortmund wingman Marco Reus, which could involve the Blues’ impact attacker Andre Schurrle heading to the Westfalenstadion in return.

Dortmund’s contract negotiations with star man Reus have reportedly been scrapped, indicating that the 25-year-old may see his future away from the Bundesliga strugglers.

Since returning from injury, rampant Reus has racked up five goals and three assists in 10 outings in all competitions. Unfortunately for Jurgen Klopp’s side, however, the apparent wantaway winger’s value will not be increased by his fine form.

Germany international Reus is said to have a £20m release clause that comes into effect next summer, making him a top target for most of Europe’s elite. Current Premier League leaders Chelsea are rumoured to be pushing their way to the front of the queue, though, by offering super sub Schurrle in a straight swap.

Klopp’s boys are hovering precariously above the Bundesliga relegation zone and, judging from previous contract issues with top stars such as Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski, could snub the west London club’s advances to keep hold of Reus for as long as possible.

A January swap with Chelsea could be beneficial for Dortmund, however, to prevent their most exciting attacking threat from opting to follow in Gotze and Lewandowski’s footsteps and switch to bitter rivals Bayern Munich.

Schurrle was already supposedly on Klopp’s radar, having struggled to cement a starting spot in Jose Mourinho’s title challenging team, despite his ability to chip in with crucial goals. Essentially a like-for-like replacement for his compatriot, the Germany World Cup winner also favours a left wing position but is versatile enough to operate across numerous attacking positions.

Mourinho’s men, therefore, may have an ace card in negotiations with Dortmund and will be aiming to pip Premier League rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool to the post in the race for Reus.

Dortmund (14/1 to win the Champions League), then, could be tempted to refresh their team by allowing Reus to move in the winter window, in what would be a savvy move that could see them land a top player in Schurrle instead of counting the change from Reus’ mooted move to Bayern.