Chelsea's Interest in Schalke's New German Sensation is Confirmed

Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has revealed that Chelsea are interested in highly-rated midfielder Max Meyer but made it clear that they are yet to receive an official offer for the youngster.

Meyer has forced his way into the Schalke first team this season and has already made 15 appearances in all competition. He has scored three goals in the Bundesliga and has helped the club secure six wins from their opening 12 league games.

The 18-year-old was first handed a chance to shine last season after Lewis Holtby joined Tottenham and he has since become an integral member of the first team, appearing in three of Schalke's four Champions League games.

Meyer featured in the 3-0 loss to Chelsea and it seems his performance may have caught the eye of Jose Mourinho. However, Heldt confirmed that there has yet to be any contact from the west London club.

"There is no official offer from Chelsea," the Schalke chief told Kicker. "But I have heard of the interest."

Schalke have often fielded interest from Premier League clubs and Heldt played a major role in persuading Klaus-Jan Huntelaar to remain at the club. He also convinced midfield sensation Julian Draxler to pen a new contract this summer amid interest from several major European clubs.

The German side may well be confident of keeping Meyer at the club as well after the youngster made it clear that he was happy to stay in Gelsenkirchen.

"I am happy that I am so popular. But I feel very comfortable here," said Meyer. "I hope that an agreement is achieved. I think it will happen this year."

Chelsea have convinced a number of young players to make the move to Stamford Bridge in recent seasons but few have been handed opportunites in the first team and Meyer may well believe he wil progress quicker is he remains at Schalke.