Chelsea prepares improved bid for Andre Schurrle

Chelsea are preparing an improved bid for Bayer Leverkusen’s Andre Schurrle as Roman Abramovich continues his recruitment drive for young talent.

Abramovich’s summer spree has been all about youth, with Marko Marin, 23, Eden Hazard, 21, and Oscar, 20, arriving at Stamford Bridge.

The European champions are keen to add Marseille right back Cesar Azpilicueta, 22, and Wigan winger Victor Moses, 21, to a squad which has been rejuvenated over the last two years.

Schurrle, 21, also remains a priority target, even though Leverkusen have not heard from Chelsea since their opening offer of £16million.

The Germany striker is tall, strong, quick, industrious and versatile — able to play wide or central — and impressed against the Blues in last season’s Champions League.

He is open to a move to the Barclays Premier League but is under contract until 2016. Chelsea’s approach prompted Rudi Voller, Leverkusen’s sporting director, to state that Schurrle was not for sale.