Chelsea are reportedly leading of host of clubs including Premiership rivals Manchester United in the race to land Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The 24-year-old Germany international midfielder has been with Bayern since 1998 progressing through youth ranks to become a key player for the Bundesliga giants for whom he has made 158 appearances scoring 17 top-flight goals.

However, according to reports in Germany, the Bavarians have failed to reach an agreement over a new long-term deal for the versatile winger and thus top European clubs including AC Milan, Inter Milan and Juventus are also said to be watching the situation.

Moreover, with Schweinsteiger out of contract next summer, a move in January looks likely unless there is a last-minute attempt to get a new contract for the all-action player.