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Andre Schurrle hints at Chelsea stay despite January exit rumours

Germany forward Andre Schurrle has dismissed reports linking him with a move away from Chelsea.

Schurrle, 24, has been underwhelming for Chelsea since returning from the 2014 World Cup with a winner's medal, sparking reports he could be offloaded in January.

But the striker -- who signed from Bayer Leverkusen 18 months ago -- has taken to Instagram to post a photo of him in a Chelsea shirt with the caption: "To the top:)) #behappy #blues."

Schurrle has completed 90 minutes just twice this term under Jose Mourinho, each time in the Capital One Cup, and the Portuguese has often demanded more of the pacey forward.

Mourinho hinted at his frustrations with Schurrle in early October, after the German had missed a host of chances against Bolton and a key opportunity in the Champions League clash at Sporting Lisbon.

Mourinho said on Oct. 3: "Sometimes he plays phenomenal. Other times he plays so-so. But when he plays phenomenal, he is phenomenal."

The coach also said Schurrle's performance against Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup on Oct. 28 ensured he would not start in following game against QPR, saying: "I expect players to give me problems. I love problems. But a lot of them didn't and they've made it easy to choose my team for Saturday."

Schurrle will be hoping Mourinho, who substituted him at half-time of the Champions League draw at Maribor last week, can help him to overcome what he will hope is merely a post-World Cup lull.

Mourinho is still seeking improvement from the Blues, despite the team leading the Premier League after an unbeaten 11-game start and sitting eight points clear of defending champions Manchester City.

To the top:)) #behappy #blues

A photo posted by Andre Schürrle (@andreschuerrle) on