Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has claimed that the club want to keep hold of Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen beyond the end of his loan stay.
The 20-year-old has been at the German club on a temporary deal for one season so far, and is scheduled to remain at Borussia-Park until the end of the current campaign.
"It will be a hard task but I am hopeful that we can do it," Eberl told Sky Deutschland.
"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.
"He's a top player. Chelsea are taking care of those players they've loaned out very well."
Eberl added that Christensen intends to return to Stamford Bridge if he is guaranteed regular football under manager Antonio Conte.
Recent reports claimed that Spanish giants Barcelona are keeping tabs on the youngster, but Chelsea have no plans to sell Christensen.
Danielle Joynson
