Transfer Rumours Set to Swirl After Marco Reus Makes Dortmund Return from Injury

It might only have been 45 minutes long, but it could be one of the most important moments in the January transfer window.

Marco Reus stepped out on a football pitch in a Borussia Dortmund shirt on Saturday for the first time since Nov. 22 in a friendly against Steaua Bucharest during the club's winter training camp.

The Germany international suffered ankle ligament damage during the Bundesliga game against Paderborn in the autumn and has not featured since.

But that has not stopped the transfer talk swirling around the 25-year-old, who has been linked with some of the biggest clubs in Europe this month despite his inactivity.

Liverpool owner John W. Henry used his Twitter feed in September to joke about the Anfield fans' desire to see the Reds make a move for Reus, as Bleacher Report writer Nick Akerman noted.

However, the clamour for the attacking midfielder's signature is set to increase multifold after the player took his first tentative steps back towards a first-team return.

Real Madrid have been linked with Reus already this month, although Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc batted away suggestions the player will be leaving this month.

The Evening Standard quoted Zorc from an interview with Bild as saying:

"

You know, I've been confronted with this question about Reus' future for years now.

Almost every week I hear about such rumours. There's no new developments, we want to continue working with Marco Reus for the long haul.

"

With Dortmund struggling in the Bundesliga and relegation a real possibility, the prospect of Reus leaving would be another nail in the club's hopes of remaining in the top flight in Germany.

But Bleacher Report Chelsea writer Garry Hayes believes Stamford Bridge must pull out all the stops in order to sign the winger.

Hayes wrote:

"

Whether he moves in January or this summer, Reus' transfer is going to be the one that engulfs the media. Simply because there is so much riding on it.

From Chelsea's perspective, Reus could be the most significant signing Mourinho has made since his return 18 months ago. Not for what he offers but for what it would symbolise.

Is the club the attractive proposition it claims to be? Or are Chelsea what they were before Roman Abramovich bought the club—also-rans punching above their weight?

Lose out to Real, City or any of the others in the pursuit of Reus and what will it say?

He can't be allowed to slip through their grasp.

"

Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday claimed in December that Chelsea would be joined by Manchester City and Arsenal in the chase for Reus.

Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp, the Westfalenstadion club and its supporters will be delighted to see their star man heading back to full fitness after his short runout in the 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest in La Manga, Spain.

Their need to stave off the threat of relegation from the Bundesliga at the moment is greater than any requirement to make money off a quick deal for Reus.

But the player's return to the field is merely the starting gun on one of the most intriguing transfer chases of recent years.