Borussia Monchengladbach hope to sign Andreas Christensen from Chelsea on a permanent deal, sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed.
Christensen, 19, is currently on loan at Gladbach from the Blues until 2017 after joining on a two-year deal last summer.
The Denmark international, who scored his first goal for the Bundesliga club in the 5-1 win against Werder Bremen on Friday, has not missed a minute of action since the arrival of coach Andre Schubert in September.
"Our intention is to try and get into talks with Chelsea in the summer," Eberl told kicker, while confirming that the Blues have no option to recall the youngster.
"Andreas fulfils everything we've seen in him. And we are delighted that we were able to take him on loan without any ifs and buts."
Christensen himself said he is open to staying at Gladbach beyond the end of the current deal.
"I am very happy," he told reporters. "I will give it my best in the two years here, and see what the future has in store for me. It's of no use to return [to Chelsea] if I don't get any playing time there. A lot can happen."
Schubert praised the defender as a "super centre-back" and "just a good footballer," adding that he hopes he has a long-term future at the club.
"I would welcome it if he were to stay here for a long time," he said.
Last season, Gladbach signed Thorgan Hazard on a permanent deal from Chelsea after an initial loan move, with the midfielder signing a contract until 2020. The deal reportedly includes a buy-back option for the Blues.