Genk midfielder Kevin de Bruyne hopes he can secure a move to Chelsea by the end of the month after claiming negotiations have begun over a possible transfer to Stamford Bridge.
De Bruyne caught the eye of a number of Europe's top clubs last year by putting in a series of impressive performances to help Genk lift the Belgian title.
The 20-year-old is seeking a move from his homeland and would be happy to move to Chelsea although he does admit he would also be open to the idea of returning to Genk on loan for a season as part of the deal.
"My manager went to Chelsea on Wednesday and discussions have been good," De Bruyne, who is currently sidelined with a calf injury, told Belgian TV show Extra Time.
"Maybe by the end of the month a deal can be sorted out, because that would be a good thing for all three parties - and if there is an agreement with Chelsea, I would certainly spend another year at Genk."
De Bruyne's Belgium team-mate Romelu Lukaku is expected to put the finishing touches to his move to Stamford Bridge this week.
The striker has already undergone a medical at Chelsea's training ground and the two clubs have agreed a fee, thought to be in the region of £18million.
Chelsea have already signed one Genk player this summer - goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois - but he was immediately loaned out to Atletico Madrid.
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