Several European clubs have sent scouts to Germany on multiple occasions in recent years in search of quality offensive players. Their exhaustive search has managed to unearth some rare gems, firstly in the form of Mesut Ozil and then as Marco Reus, Mario Gotze and Thomas Mueller as they have all gone on to establish themselves in world football.

One of the next youngsters being considered highly is Schalke’s Max Meyer along with his club mate Julian Draxler. The 18-year old has been making some waves in the Bundesliga these last few months, and has reportedly been the subject of massive interest from top clubs across the continent. A list of clubs are taking notice and have already made inquiries for the teenager.

Linked to him heavily were English outfit Chelsea among other clubs, whose manager Jose Mourinho is on the mission of forming a solid nucleus of the team, starting from the heart of midfield. He highly regards club veteran Frank Lampard, however Mourinho has to come to terms with the fact that the English international is in the twilight of his career, and that finding a long-term replacement is high on his agenda for the upcoming transfer window or for the summer.

He has therefore been looking at prospects and has been impressed with Meyer. A lot was being said and written about the Blues’ interest in him, as they were reportedly looking to snap him up while he is still young, before his price escalates in the coming seasons. A January bid was also being mooted by some sections of the media.

Metro have now reported that Chelsea’s hopes of signing this soon-to-be hot property are dashed completely, as Meyer has signed a renewed 5 year contract extension with Schalke. He spoke to the club’s official website after signing the papers as he spoke with delight, “I am very happy about this new contract because I really like being at Schalke,”

“In addition there have been two important things for me: The club is putting trust in home-grown talents and it gives me the opportunity to play regularly in Europe even at this point of my development.”

Meyer is of the opinion that a change in scenario this early on in his career could hamper his growth, thus staying put at Schalke is the logical choice for the time being. Who will Chelsea and Mourinho turn to next?