Chelsea star Oriol Romeu open to Stuttgart extension but 'decision rests with Jose Mourinho'

Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu can envisage a longer stay at Stuttgart beyond the current season.

Romeu, 23, signed a new three-year contract at Stamford Bridge last summer but weeks later left Chelsea to join the Bundesliga side on a season-long loan deal.

The Spanish midfielder swiftly adjusted to life in Germany and has featured in 16 of the club's 17 league games despite a change in manager in November.

Huub Stevens, who replaced Armin Veh after he resigned just 12 matches into the season, is reportedly keen to extent Romeu's stay at the club with Kicker suggesting talks are already underway over a new deal.

"I can imagine that," Oriol told the publication when asked about staying at Stuttgart, before admitting any decision will have to be approved by his parent club, He added: "I don't know what Chelsea's plans are."

In December, Stuttgart revealed the club were already looking into the possibility of extending Romeu's deal into next season, or even considering a permanent transfer.

"He plays a central role, it is great that we got him," Stuttgart president Bernd Wahler said. "Now you have to see if there is a way to keep him longer, plus there are talks with Chelsea."

Ex-Barcelona youngster Romeu became Andre Villas-Boas' first signing as Chelsea manager back in 2011 but has made just 22 league appearances for the Blues since then.

The Spaniard enjoyed a run in the team during Roberto di Matteo's spell in charge at the west London club but an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury in 2012 ruled him out for the rest of the season and temporarily derailed his prospects.

After making a full recovery, Romeu returned to Spain last season, joining Valencia on loan, where his impressive form encouraged Chelsea to tie the player down with a new contract, which runs until 2017.