According to reports in The Sun, Borussia Monchengladbach are keen to sign Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen on a permanent deal this summer.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the Denmark international has spent the last two seasons on loan with the Bundesliga outfit and is due to return to his parent club at the end of the campaign.

However, he has been an impressive performer for the German side and they are keen to bring him in permanently this summer, although they are worried that they won’t be able to afford the Blues’ likely £21m asking price.

While the 21-year-old will be keen to make an impression under Antonio Conte in the first team, he could choose to leave Stamford Bridge if there isn’t a chance he will get regular first team football.

How good has he been at Monchengladbach?

He has been very impressive.

In 30 Bundesliga appearances this season he has made 117 clearances and 68 interceptions, while he has also won 71 aerial duels.

It is perhaps his passing accuracy that is most impressive though, with a 91% success rate from more than 1,500 attempted passes.

Is Conte likely to give him a chance?

He surely will during pre-season, yes.

The 21-year-old has earned the right to be given an opportunity but despite John Terry leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, he faces an uphill task to break into the side.

Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz are already established as the first choice back three, while the likes of Nathan Ake and Kurt Zouma are already waiting in the wings too.

Conte has also been linked with a big-money move for Southampton centre-back Virgil van Dijk, which would surely push Christensen further towards the exit door.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, this is a transfer saga that could rumble on towards the end of the transfer window but whatever happens, it seems unlikely that Christensen will return to Monchengladbach on a permanent basis.