Stuttgart confirm talks with Chelsea over permanent deal for Oriol Romeu

Stuttgart have confirmed there are talks with Chelsea over the long-term future of Spanish midfielder Oriol Romeu.

Romeu, 23, signed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge in July only to join the Bundesliga club weeks later on a season-long loan deal, his second consecutive spell away from the Blues.

The Spaniard has seamlessly adjusted to life in Germany, playing an integral role in Stuttgart's campaign and has already admitted he is open to the possibility of a permanent switch.

And speaking to Bild, Stuttgart club president Bernd Wahler confirmed the club have already discussed extending Romeu's deal beyond the current season with Jose Mourinho's side.

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

Romeu arrived at Stamford Bridge as one of Andre Villas-Boas' first signings in 2011 but a ligament injury curtailed his progress at the club. He returned to his homeland for a loan spell at Valencia last season where his time at the Mestalla convinced Jose Mourinho to hand the player a new deal.

Romeu has made just 22 appearances for the Blues as a result of injury and loan moves and has previously indicated he 'would not say no' to a permanent stay in Stuttgart.

We'll see what happens, but now I'm focused on the present and helping the team," Romeu said in October. "I don't know what will happen in the next few years but I will never say no to staying in Stuttgart because they have treated me amazingly so far and I'm really happy here. I want the club to be happy with me and I want to feel I'm doing a good job."