Chelsea are ready to offer Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira a pre-contract in January.

Khedira is in the last year of his contract at the Bernabeu and looks unlikely to sign an extension.

He has already rejected several offers from the Spanish giants, who have begun looking for his replacement, with Cruzeiro’s rising star Lucas Silva top of the list.

Khedira was the subject of interest from Arsenal during the summer but they were put off by his wage demands, which were in excess of £150,000 a week and would have made him their highest-paid player.

Chelsea have been keen on Khedira since Jose Mourinho, the manager who signed him for Real in 2010, returned to Stamford Bridge last year. The Germany international enjoyed a great relationship with Mourinho and Chelsea are believed to be in pole position to sign him.

How Chelsea’s summer signings have fared so far 6 show all How Chelsea’s summer signings have fared so far 1/6 Cesc Fabregas: A Eight assists already and transformed Chelsea's attacking play. Formed a great understanding with Costa, his experience in the dressing room has helped fill void left by Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole's departures. Chelsea are more entertaining to watch with the Spaniard in the side, and he is already staking a claim for signing of the summer. GETTY 2/6 Mario Pasalic: N/A Early days for the 19-year-old on loan at la Liga club elche and has yet to make a major impact. Chelsea will be pleased he has made five appearances so far, three of which from the bench, although the most notable contribution was when he fouled Cristiano Ronaldo to give away a penalty in 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid last month. Still has a lot of potential and earned his first cap with Croatia against Cyprus in September. @chelseafc 3/6 Diego Costa: A Nine goals in seven league games says it all. Top scorer in the pl and is everything Torres wasn't, hungry, deadly in front of goal, full of effort and work rate for the team. Runs superbly off the ball, defenders don't know where he is. Been coping with hamstring problems too which raises the scary prospect he can get even better. Getty 4/6 Filipe Luis: B Has been restricted to a support role so far due to form of Ivanovic and Azpilicueta, but is beginning to apply pressure for a regular first team place. Has started to look fitter and sharper and noticeably started both of Chelsea's Champions League group games so far. Has a great work rate and looks a great weapon to attack too, with superb crossing ability with his left foot. 5/6 Didier Drogba: C It has been a dream return for the Chelsea legend so far. A nagging ankle injury has restricted his appearances, while at 36, there are question marks whether he can be the player he once was. He has yet to add to his 157 goal tally accrued between 2004-12, but can claim an assist in Costa's fine start as he has been working closely with him. Drogba is also enjoying an inspirational role to the younger players in dressing room. Getty 6/6 Loic Remy: B Scored as a substitute with a fine finish against Swansea and looked sharp when he came off the bench against Schalke. Disappointed against Bolton in the league cup, but he looks a good back up to Costa. Has pace and moves smartly. Talks well too. Some players may be frustrated about playing second fiddle to Costa, but he looks content to play a squad role and enjoy playing at a club that can win trophies. Getty 1/6 Cesc Fabregas: A Eight assists already and transformed Chelsea's attacking play. Formed a great understanding with Costa, his experience in the dressing room has helped fill void left by Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole's departures. Chelsea are more entertaining to watch with the Spaniard in the side, and he is already staking a claim for signing of the summer. GETTY 2/6 Mario Pasalic: N/A Early days for the 19-year-old on loan at la Liga club elche and has yet to make a major impact. Chelsea will be pleased he has made five appearances so far, three of which from the bench, although the most notable contribution was when he fouled Cristiano Ronaldo to give away a penalty in 5-1 defeat to Real Madrid last month. Still has a lot of potential and earned his first cap with Croatia against Cyprus in September. @chelseafc 3/6 Diego Costa: A Nine goals in seven league games says it all. Top scorer in the pl and is everything Torres wasn't, hungry, deadly in front of goal, full of effort and work rate for the team. Runs superbly off the ball, defenders don't know where he is. Been coping with hamstring problems too which raises the scary prospect he can get even better. Getty 4/6 Filipe Luis: B Has been restricted to a support role so far due to form of Ivanovic and Azpilicueta, but is beginning to apply pressure for a regular first team place. Has started to look fitter and sharper and noticeably started both of Chelsea's Champions League group games so far. Has a great work rate and looks a great weapon to attack too, with superb crossing ability with his left foot. 5/6 Didier Drogba: C It has been a dream return for the Chelsea legend so far. A nagging ankle injury has restricted his appearances, while at 36, there are question marks whether he can be the player he once was. He has yet to add to his 157 goal tally accrued between 2004-12, but can claim an assist in Costa's fine start as he has been working closely with him. Drogba is also enjoying an inspirational role to the younger players in dressing room. Getty 6/6 Loic Remy: B Scored as a substitute with a fine finish against Swansea and looked sharp when he came off the bench against Schalke. Disappointed against Bolton in the league cup, but he looks a good back up to Costa. Has pace and moves smartly. Talks well too. Some players may be frustrated about playing second fiddle to Costa, but he looks content to play a squad role and enjoy playing at a club that can win trophies. Getty

Khedira, 27, will be able to start talking to clubs in the new year over a summer switch and that option suits Chelsea.

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti wants Khedira to see out the campaign and the Spanish club would demand a transfer fee in the region of £10million.

Arsenal continue to be linked with Khedira, although it is unlikely their stance on his wages will have changed, while Manchester United may want to strengthen their midfield options.

Real’s interest in Chelsea keeper Petr Cech, as reported by Standard Sport yesterday, could help them in negotiations for Khedira although neither switch is dependent on the other.