Mourinho points De Bruyne towards Chelsea exit

COBHAM, United Kingdom, Jan 10, 2014 - Kevin de Bruyne moved one step closer towards leaving Chelsea after Jose Mourinho revealed the Premier League club were close to striking a deal to sell the player.

Belgium international De Bruyne is a target for Bundlesiga club Wolfsburg, who are believed to have lodged an £18 million (21.7m euros, $29.7m,) bid for the midfielder.

Mourinho confirmed on Friday that the Stamford Bridge club had received two offers for the player who has not started a league game since August.

And the Chelsea manager admitted the midfielder could be on his way with Chelsea set to make a substantial profit on a player who has made just three league appearances for the club since arriving from Genk in a £7m move in January 2012.

"Kevin has a chance to go," Mourinho told a news conference at Chelsea's training ground.

"He's a player that Chelsea have had a couple of proposals for. We keep analysing them.

"One is at a level where we believe it can be a good situation for the player and also the club.

"We know he's a fantastic young player with lots of potential. I still say I will be happy to keep him and develop him but have to analyse the player's profile and personality.

"Probably, he wants so much to go that maybe it's a good option to let him go in a very good deal for the club financially, because we bought him two years ago for a small fee and now have the possibility to sell him for a very positive amount.

"The fee has not been agreed, but I believe, that's a feeling, we will reach an agreement.

"I can't confirm it but the interest is big from the club, even bigger from the player."

Mourinho, whose side are currently third in the Premier League, believes losing de Bruyne will not affect his squad with a number of players capable of operating in a similar midfield role.

"We don't need a direct replacement. The reason why we opened the door is because it is a position where we have options," the Portuguese explained.

"Between Andre Schuerrle, Willian, Juan Mata, Oscar, Ramires, we have options. It is not a case of a position where we sell and then need to run to cover the position."

Meanwhile, Mourinho refused to comment on reports he is ready to renew his interest in Manchester United's Wayne Rooney -- a target during the close season -- who has 18 months left on his current deal.

"I don't want to speak about it. We play Manchester United in a few days and I don't think it's nice to speak about a Manchester United player."

As for the decision of West Bromwich Albion to appoint a foreign manager after dismissing Steve Clarke, Portuguese boss Mourinho said it represented another blow for British managers in the Premier League.

Pepe Mel, the former Real Betis coach, has taken charge at the Hawthorns and Mourinho said: "I know him. He was at Betis when I was in Madrid. I wish him well. My relationship was always positive.

"But I feel sorry for the British managers because I think we are too much. When there are too many foreigners there is less space for them.

"When I see quality in British managers, I don't see why we (overseas managers in the Premier League) are so many. But I'm speaking against myself!

"I don't know why it's happened but I'd like to see more opportunity for British managers. It's their country, their league. We should have to prove a lot we deserve to be there."