Chelsea emerge favourites to sign Marco Reus amid massive interest for German

Chelsea have emerged favourites to sign Borussia Dortmund sensation Marco Reus after in-depth talks with the club behind the scenes, according to the Sunday People.

The forward is among the most sought after players in world football currently and has accrued interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool and Manchester United. The German reportedly has a £20m release clause in his contract with Dortmund which kicks in during the summer of 2015.

The forward is currently injured and will be out with the new year after sustaining yet another injury, which has seen Dortmund move to the bottom of the Bundesliga, their worst start to a campaign in decades. It has been a difficult year for the 25-year-old, who missed out on Germany's World Cup win with an ankle injury in a warm up game against Armenia.

Chelsea are looking to pounce on the opportunity of the player looking for a new club and secure his services, ahead of a plethora of clubs who are looking to secure his signature. Bayern were reported to be front runners for his signature after Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed his desire to move for the German in the summer if the opportunity arises.

However, Dortmund will be loath to let their star player leave yet again to their direct rivals, having seen the likes of Robert Lewandowski and Mario Gotze make the transfer in consecutive years.

Jose Mourinho has earmarked the forward as an alternative to Willian or Andre Schurrle, with either player expected to make the move if Reus becomes available.

It will not be easy sailing for Chelsea given Real Madrid will also move in with a sizeable bid, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United also in the running.

United's financial strength in comparison to their rivals and the lure of Louis van Gaal means that they can attract the player with maximum wages and team him up in an impressive frontline, including the likes of Robin van Persie, Angel Di Maria and Wayne Rooney.

Arsenal have a German contingent who can convince Reus to make the move to north London, along with Tomas Rosicky, who the German looked up to during the Czech's time at Dortmund.