Chelsea plan to open talks with Andreas Christensen in the new year over a contract extension.

The Dane has starred for Chelsea at centre-back this term having spent the previous two seasons on loan at Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach.

The 21-year-old’s deal runs out in 2020 but Chelsea want to secure his future beyond that.

Christensen, who joined the club’s academy from Brondby in February 2012, has replaced David Luiz in the starting line-up this season.

He has started 16 games in all competitions under coach Antonio Conte, having made the first XI just twice earlier in his career at Stamford Bridge.

Christensen signed a five‑year deal in 2015, which was reported at the time to be worth around £35,000 a week.

Chelsea want to reward him for his fine performances with improved terms before he joins up with Denmark for the World Cup next summer.

The club have already made new contracts for key Belgium duo Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois a priority for 2018, but securing Christensen’s future is also regarded as important business to conduct.

Over the past 12 months, Chelsea have agreed new deals for Cesar Azpilicueta, Victor Moses and most recently, Belgium starlet Charly Musonda. Kurt Zouma signed a new contract in July before joining Stoke on loan for the season.

Chelsea’s loan technical coach, Eddie Newton, who worked closely with Christensen while he was at Monchengladbach, believes the Dane will be a huge asset for them over the next decade.

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He told Chelsea TV: “Andreas is a player that we can definitely have here for the next 10 years. He is another John Terry for me, and has that same kind of stature because he has got that ability.

“This season, he stepped in against Tottenham and Manchester United and it was like he has been there all his life. He is an incredible footballer and one this club should keep hold of very tightly.”

Captain Gary Cahill has been particularly impressed with how the young centre-half has settled into the first team.

He said: “The biggest compliment I can pay him is that I’m playing alongside a young boy who is relatively new in his career, but you feel that you can leave him to do his role and just worry about what you’re doing.”

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