Lampard on Kai Havertz: 'He's a top player'

Martin Macdonald

Frank Lampard has broken silence on the rumours that Chelsea are preparing a huge bid for Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz, describing the 21-year-old as a “top player”.

After being under a transfer ban last season, the Blues and owner Roman Abramovich have opened up their chequebook to sign Hakim Ziyech of Ajax and Timo Werner of RB Leipzig for next season for a combined £90m.

Their spending spree has coincided with an significant upturn in form from Havertz, who has been sensational for Leverkusen since the Bundesliga recommenced last month.

Speculation has increased that Chelsea were preparing a bid of £80m+ for the forward.

Lampard, when asked about his qualities during a press conference on Wednesday, was reluctant to talk about a player under contract at another club.

He said: “He’s obviously a top player but to follow on from my answer before I'm certainly not going to comment on other teams, and it cannot be our focus. So, nothing to say.

However, when asked if any negotiations had begun, he replied: “No, no bids have gone in.”

Havertz is currently one of just seven players in world football who currently have a FC Form Rating of 99.

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