Borussia Monchengladbach hope to keep Chelsea's promising young defender Andreas Christensen beyond the end of the campaign.

Sporting director Max Eberl has watched Christensen develop into a key member of Gladbach's squad after arriving on loan in 2015 and the German's continue to benefit from his services after sealing a similar deal this past summer.

That was not before they had tried to sign the Dane on a permanent basis, however, bidding a club-record £14.25million in July. In a move that suggests he is very highly rated at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea turned it down.

Andreas Christensen has become a key memeber of Borussia Monchengladbach's squad

As his performances in the German league continue to draw plaudits, it is unlikely Gladbach will ever have the funds to sign him but Eberl is not giving up hope of at least agreeing another loan.

He told Sky Deutschland: 'It will be a hard task but I am hopeful that we can do it.

'We probably won't buy him but maybe there's another way. And even if he has only been with us for two years, that would be a great story.

The 20-year-old is already a full senior international with Denmark, earning eight caps so far

ANDREAS CHRISTESEN AT B. MONCHENGLADBACH Appearances: 39 Interceptions: 106 Clearances: 156 Blocks: 24 Tackles: 43 Average duels won: 60% Advertisement

'He's a top player. Chelsea are taking care of those players they've loaned out very well.'



However, Eberl does believe his club could eventually agree a permanent transfer, saying they are exactly who Chelsea would want to sell to if they ever decided to cash in.

Chelsea would not be willing to sell to a direct rival in either the domestic or international game, meaning Gladbach could find themselves at the front of the queue.

Christensen was brought to Chelsea in 2012 and featured in several friendlies soon after

But, of course, as he continues to develop, the chance of him getting a recall to west London increases. Eberl admits that Christensen will go on to become a world-class player.

Eberl added: 'Andreas has said "if I can start matches for Chelsea, I will go back".