Kai Havertz inches closer for Chelsea as Lampard also eyes Leeds target

Chelsea are increasingly confident a deal for top target Kai Havertz will soon be finalised.

The Blues have already agreed terms with the 21-year-old, with the transfer fee the only sticking point.

Indeed, Leverkusen’s sporting director Rudi Voller has insisted there will be no discount on his exit. According to The Guardian, the German side want €100million (£90million).

On Wednesday, the newspaper also claims Chelsea have had a new bid of €65million (£58.6million) rejected.

The offer also includes €15million (£13.5million) in add-ons but nevertheless falls at least £18million short of Leverkusen’s asking price.

However, the paper has now provided an update and it makes for much more positive reading – almost as positive as Chelsea’s increasingly shortened odds on a Premier League title.

They state the two parties held lengthy talks over the deal on Wednesday. Furthermore they state that an agreement is inching ever closer.

They say Chelsea are ‘getting ever closer’ to Bayer’s asking price. As such, some common ground is soon expected to be agreed. The papers adds there is a willingness from both sides to come to an arrangement. That’s after Havertz decided that Chelsea are his perfect next step.

While no timeframe is placed on an announcement, it’s expected Chelsea will soon wrap up the deal.

The Blues have already announced the signing of Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech. A deal for Havertz will further strengthen Frank Lampard’s options.

READ MORE: Chelsea seriously considering deal for serial winner to shore up defence

Ben White situation watched by Chelsea

Meanwhile, news that a deal for Havertz is close has left Chelsea to focus on another priority: their central defence.

According to The Guardian, Lampard is paying close attention to Leeds’ attempts to sign him from Brighton.

The 22-year-old became a crucial component in Marcelo Bielsa’s side as Leeds secured promotion to the Premier League.

His partnership with Liam Cooper provided the foundation for what became the hallmark of Leeds’ promotion push.

A league-best 35 goals were conceded, and Leeds are determined to bring the impressive partnership with them into the top flight.

Upon expiry of White’s loan spell from Brighton, the Yorkshire outfit submitted bids of £18.5m and £22m for the player who has also attracted the interest of Liverpool.

Both were rejected, but according to Sky Sports, Leeds have gone again.

They report that a third bid of £25m has been lodged with hopes high a deal can finally be reached after White again turned down the opportunity of a new contract at The Amex.

However, The Guardian claims Lampard is also a huge fan of White and Chelsea could yet gazump Leeds’ bid.