Bayer Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has responded to reports that Kai Havertz is set to join Chelsea and says the midfielder will be allowed to leave ‘if certain requirements are met’.
Frank Lampard has identified Havertz as his key target after the blues signed Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech and the German star has reached an agreement over a five-year deal at Chelsea, according to reports.
Chelsea are ready to break the bank to sign Havertz despite the financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic but are yet to agree a deal with Leverkusen – the Bundesliga side are demanding £89.8m for the youngster.
‘No decision has been made yet,’ Leverkusen chief Voller told German publication Kicker when discussing Havertz’s future.
‘I’d like to repeat myself by emphasising that we’re talking about a wonderful footballer.
‘There is nothing new in this regard. We have a clear and mutual agreement with him and his representatives that he can only leave if certain requirements are met. Otherwise he will stay.’
Lampard has previously spoken of his desire to strengthen the team after Chelsea were dumped out of the Champions League but remained tight-lipped when asked about a possible deal for Havertz.
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‘We will look at that because that’s our job, my job and we’re very joined up with how we’ve worked at it already,’ Lampard said.
‘From having a transfer ban, you feel the fact we missed out where other clubs had spent and improved and recruitment is a big part of this game.
‘Nights like tonight for me from a footballing sense show me a lot so it’s a conversation now the season is ended. ‘It’s a very quick turnaround but now is the time to see what areas we can improve in.’
Asked specifically about Havertz, Lampard said: ‘I wouldn’t expect anything but it’s our job to go away and see what happens and see where we can improve.
‘In a footballing sense, I feel like I know where we can improve but now it’s time to look at that.’
