Chelsea may not be leading the race for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, according to The Athletic.
The Germany international is one of the most coveted players in Europe.
The report states that Havertz’s representatives have been fielding enquiries from a number of elite clubs, with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, and Manchester United all named alongside the Blues.
Frank Lampard’s side have been aggressive in the market, snaffling Hakim Ziyech away from Ajax and also closing in on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
They have been reported to have an interest in Havertz, who can play pretty much anywhere across the front three, but they are not in pole position.
The Athletic reports that Leverkusen and the Blues are miles apart in terms of a fee.
He was valued at €120 million (£107.6m) last summer and is still valued at over €100m (£89.7m), though he has two years left on his contract and that may see a compromise reached of €80m (£71.7m) if negotiations go smoothly.
Chelsea, though, do not appear to have agreed to any kind of fee at this stage; Bayern Munich, though, are not any nearer.
GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…
A bidding war is sure to erupt here, isn’t it?
When a total of six clubs are touted with an interest, especially six clubs with incredibly deep pockets, it feels inevitable that there will be some form of one-upmanship this summer.
Chelsea are clearly keen to bring the Germany international in and it is understandable.
Havertz has been in superb form this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in all competitions.
If they want the versatile forward, though, the Blues will have to act quickly.
If they don’t snap him up, someone else surely will.