Chelsea are the sudden new favourites to sign Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka.

The Germany international is off contract in June and was a target for Barcelona.

However, Sport says Goretzka has told his minders to only consider Premier League offers.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been linked with the 22-year-old, but Chelsea have jumped to the front of the queue.

Goretzka has been likened to former Blues midfielder Nemanja Matic, who left for Manchester United over the summer, and would arrive at Stamford Bridge as a like for like replacement.

Germany's general manager, Oliver Bierhoff, last week suggested Goretzka will move to England.