Chelsea are being linked in the football betting press with a summer move for one of Jose Mourinho’s favourites when he was in charge of Real Madrid – Germany international Sami Khedira.

The 26-year-old former Stuttgart midfielder is currently recovering from the serious cruciate knee ligament injury he suffered when playing for Germany in a friendly international against Italy three months ago.

It is feared that he may not recover from the injury in time to feature for his country in this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil but it is believed talks have already taken place about a possible move to Stamford Bridge where he will be reunited with Mourinho.

Khedira was linked with a transfer to Manchester United last summer but a move to Old Trafford never materialised and, before suffering his injury, Khedira had voiced his disaffection with life at the Bernabeu and his lack of first-team action under boss Carlo Ancelotti.

He said at the time: “I’m not a Spanish player, I did not cost a lot of money and I am one of Mourinho’s disciples. I started the season on the bench or in the stands. Even if I play well, I am the scapegoat and so will not be properly valued.”

Although Mourinho signed Nemanja Matic from Benfica last month he is still interested in adding to his midfield options as Frank Lampard is expected to move on at the end of this season.

Khedira signed a contract that does not expire until the end of next season when he joined Real in July 2010.

During his time in the Spanish capital, he has featured in 89 La Liga matches, finding the net six times.

Khedira made his international debut in a friendly match against South Africa in September 2009 and has gone on to represent his country on 44 occasions, becoming a favourite of fans who bet on football.