Bayer Leverkusen star Hakan Calhanoglu has said it would be hard for him to turn down any offer from English giants Manchester United.

The 22-year old has been heavily linked with Chelsea for quite some time now and the Blues’ desperation to sign the Turkey international has only increased after their Brazilian midfielder Oscar joined Shanghai SIPG in a whopping £60million deal last month.

The Blues have been reportedly tracking the Turkish midfielder right from the summer and also Daily Mail reported that they even sent scouts to watch him in action against Cologne last month. Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is reportedly a huge admirer of the Leverkusen star who has made a reputation of being one of the finest set-piece takers in the game. However, Conte, it seems, will find it extremely tough to persuade him to sign for the Blues as the player has expressed his desire of playing for their domestic rivals, Manchester United.

Speaking to Lig TV, Calhanoglu said:”Barcelona and Manchester United are huge clubs it would be different to turn them down but I have not said anything about any transfers or anything of the sort.”

Turkish news outlet Haberturk had earlier reported the Blues chased the midfielder during summer and even lodged a bid of £17m, which failed to meet Leverkusen’s demands. Chelsea backed out after the failed bid as they had shelled out around £120 million in the summer transfer but are expected to revive their interest in the ongoing transfer window. Moreover, the midfielder has been in good form this term which will force the Blues to make a bid sooner than later. He has scored four goals along with four assists in 13 league appearances this term.

Conte’s 3-4-3 system has been a huge hit and his team is now sitting at the top of the table, 5 points ahead of second-placed Liverpool. The Blues will have a chance to open an 8-point gap at the top when they play against Tottenham Hotspur on January 4.