Chelsea: Blues to block Andreas Christensen's permanent transfer to Borussia Monchengladbach

Chelsea are keen on retaining their defender Andreas Christensen, despite interest from Borussia Monchengladbach in signing him on a permanent transfer. He joined the Bundesliga outfit on a two-year loan after signing a new five-year deal with the Blues last summer.

The 19-year-old came up through the ranks of the club's youth setup, but failed to break into the Premier League champions' first team. Ex-manager Jose Mourinho allowed Christensen to leave Stamford Bridge on loan in order to get regular playing time.

Since moving to Monchengladbach, the defender has started in 25 matches in all competitions and even scored a brace in his side's 5-1 victory over Werder Bremen on 5 February. He has impressed with his display and the German outfit's sporting director Max Eberl wants to sign Christensen on a permanent transfer after the end of the season.

"Our intention is to try and get into talks with Chelsea in the summer. Andreas fulfils everything we've seen in him. And we are delighted that we were able to take him on loan without any ifs and buts," Eberl told Kicker, as quoted by ESPN.

The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea have no plans of letting the teenager leave the west London club on a permanent transfer. The Blues are looking to block Christensen's move to Monchengladbach as he is still part of their plans for the future.

His form in Germany has seen him make it to Denmark's national squad after his fine display for Monchengladbach in both Bundesliga and the Champions League. Christensen stressed on the importance of getting regular playing time and hinted he will not return to Chelsea if he is not assured of a place in the starting lineup.

"I am very happy. I will give it my best in the two years here, and see what the future has in store for me. It's of no use to return [to Chelsea] if I don't get any playing time there. A lot can happen," Christensen explained.

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea's league rivals Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are also interested in signing the young defender, who is on loan until 2017. They do not have the option to recall and are hoping that Christensen could return to the Bridge as a complete player and challenge for a place in the starting lineup.