Leverkusen midfielder Kai Havertz, 21, is pushing for the exit door ahead of the club’s Europa League tie with Rangers, according to a Sky Sports report.
The broadcaster is claiming that Chelsea are the favourites to sign Havertz but are not willing to meet the substantial €100m (£90m) asking price for the player.
Havertz’ representatives remain hopeful of brokering a structured deal with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich also interested in the player.
Should Havertz move on from Leverkusen – who have failed to secure a Champions League spot in the Bundesliga – it will be a considerable blow to their Europa League chances.
Winger Leon Bailey – who scored Leverkusen’s third goal at Ibrox – is also primed for the Leverkusen exit door in two moves which would undoubtedly increase Rangers’ chances.
It will be a tall order for Rangers to overcome the Germans but the loss of Havertz – one of Europe’s most highly-rated young players – will undoubtedly hand the Gers a boost.
Leverkusen boss Peter Bosz has set his sights on Rangers and the Europa League after a disappointing end to the club’s domestic campaign and defeat in the German Cup.
“This defeat is a huge disappointment,” explains Bosz [Daily Record].
“We have to cope with that first, but after the holiday, we prepare immediately for the Europa League game against Rangers.
“We can still achieve a lot in that competition.”
Nonetheless, Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has talked up the club’s chances and believes the first goal will be all important.
“The result obviously puts Bayer Leverkusen big favourites but you never know,” explains McAllister [Rangers].
“There was enough in some of the Bundesliga games that I watched – Leverkusen are no doubt a good side – but we think we can create chances.
“The first goal in that game is going to make it pretty key, I think.”
Rangers are set to face off against Leverkusen in a special mini Europa League tournament in Germany scheduled to take place between August 6th and 21st.
