Report: Chelsea in talks with Leverkusen over €100M-rated Havertz

Chelsea are hoping to sign Bayer Leverkusen prodigy Kai Havertz for around €70 million after opening talks with the German club over a potential deal, according to The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg.

However, Leverkusen are reportedly holding out for a figure closer to €100 million.

The 20-year-old - who's scored five goals since the Bundesliga returned to action last month - is one of the most sought-after players in world football. Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Bayern Munich have all been linked with Havertz in recent weeks.

But Steinberg reports that Chelsea's interest is concrete. The west London side has already held preliminary talks with Leverkusen and has shown a willingness to spend. RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner is expected to join the Blues this month on a deal that could net the player more than €10 million per season.

Chelsea may have to sell a number of players to fund the spending spree. Jorginho, Michy Batshuayi, Marcos Alonso, Emerson Palmieri, and Ross Barkley are all considered expendable, according to Steinberg.

The club also has a chunk of money left over from Eden Hazard's sale to Real Madrid. Manager Frank Lampard was unable to sign players in the last summer transfer window because of a transfer embargo.

Should pending free agents Pedro and Willian leave at the end of the season, Chelsea will have even more space on the payroll to accommodate their new signings.