Transfer news: Agent of Chelsea's Kevin de Bruyne at Wolfsburg training camp for talks

 
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Simon Johnson6 January 2014

The agent of Chelsea midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has arrived at Wolfsburg’s winter training camp in Abu Dhabi to have talks over a possible transfer.

De Bruyne wants to quit Chelsea this month in order to get more first team football and secure his place in Belgium’s World Cup squad.

As Standard Sport revealed last week, the two clubs have started negotiations, but Chelsea have set a remarkable £25m asking price to try and scare the Bundesliga side off.

Wolfsburg are only prepared to pay up to £17m, although are also exploring the possibility of acquiring him on loan initially in view of a permanent transfer.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho doesn’t want to sell the 22-year-old, although is believed to be prepared to let him leave on loan.

It is understood De Bruyne’s agent Patrick de Koster has been planning the trip to see Wolfsburg officials in Abu Dhabi for weeks.

He is on good terms with Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs, who was at Werder Bremen when the midfielder impressed on loan last season.

The subject of De Bruyne is believed to be top of their agenda, although it is not known at this stage whether De Koster is there with Chelsea’s knowledge.

De Koster is quoted in German publication Kicker saying: "Hopefully something happens. Kevin would prefer a move to the Bundesliga.”

Allofs added: “The ball is in Chelsea’s court.”

De Bruyne joined Chelsea from Genk for £7m two years ago, but only joined up with the first team squad for the first time this season having had loan spells at Genk and Werder Bremen.

He has started just two league games under Mourinho, who has criticised him for his performances and struggles to adapt to the competition at a big club, this season.

De Bruyne was not in the squad for the FA Cup Third Round at Derby yesterday, although Chelsea said he was injured.

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