In-demand Kruse better than Messi?

Big move ... Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen are eyeing Socceroo Robbie Kruse. Source: Damian Shaw / News Limited

Socceroos star Robbie Kruse is reportedly set for a switch to Champions League-bound German heavyweights Bayer Leverkusen.

Kruse ... a prime target. Source: Supplied

The 24-year-old has caught the eye of several clubs after an impressive season with Fortuna Dusseldorf, who are battling to avoid relegation from the Bundesliga.

German newspaper the Rheinische Post reports third-placed Leverkusen are set to announce the signing of Kruse on a 1.5 million euros ($A1.92 million) transfer.

The 24-year-old former Melbourne Victory player is apparently being signed on a three-year deal as a replacement for Chelsea target Andre Schurrle.

Kruse has been hugely impressive since joining the German club from the Victory in 2011.

He has four goals and nine assists in 30 appearances this season, with Dusseldorf sitting above the relegation zone only on goal difference.

You can see why the German club are after Kruse, if figures by leading statistician Opta are anything to go by.

According to Opta, Kruse is the third most fouled player in Europe, having been impeded 99 times this season.

That puts him ahead of the likes of ballon d'Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.