Chelsea have not bid for Leverkusen's Havertz, says Lampard

Reuters/London

Filed on June 24, 2020

Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz during the Bundesliga match against Borussia Moenchengladbach. - Reuters file

Media reports have linked the 21-year-old attacking midfielder with a move to Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have not made any bids for Bayer Leverkusen's Germany international Kai Havertz despite media reports linking the attacking midfielder with a move to Stamford Bridge, manager Frank Lampard said on Wednesday.

Chelsea have already sealed deals to bring in Hakim Ziyech from Ajax Amsterdam and Leipzig forward Timo Werner as the London club start to rebuild the squad following a close-season transfer ban last year.

Havertz, 21, has 16 goals and nine assists in all competitions this season and has played a pivotal role in Leverkusen's push for a Champions League spot but Lampard said Chelsea's focus is not on the transfer window at the moment.

"He's obviously a top player but we are not going to comment on players of other teams. No bids have gone in," Lampard told reporters in a virtual news conference ahead of Thursday's match at home to second-placed Manchester City.

Tune in to Frank Lampard's #CHEMCI press conference on the 5th Stand app from 1pm (UK)! ??
- Chelsea FC (at ??) (@ChelseaFC) June 24, 2020

"There are games we need to complete before the window opens. At the minute our focus is only on the games in hand."

Wingers Willian and Pedro, whose contracts were set to expire on June 30, have extended their deals until the end of the season and Lampard said they would be available for FA Cup and Champions League games as well.

"I'm pleased the negotiations were relatively easy, both sides wanted the same thing, they wanted to see the season out with us. I'm happy," Lampard said, adding that he was not bothered by criticism on social media of Willian's extension.

The 31-year-old Brazilian has been linked with a move away from Chelsea, having said earlier this year that he wanted a new three-year deal while the club had offered him only two years.

"Everyone has opinions but my opinion is important at the club," Lampard added. "I know Willian from when I was a player and I know his work ethic. No matter what happens at the end of the season, he's been a fantastic servant to the club."

If Liverpool win Wednesday's match at home to Crystal Palace, Chelsea could hand them their first top-flight title for 30 years with a victory against reigning champions Manchester City but Lampard is not thinking about the league leaders.

"I have no thought of Liverpool's situation," he said. "I respect what Liverpool have done, but we want to try to win."

Chelsea are fourth in the standings with 51 points from 30 games, five clear of fifth-placed Manchester United in the race for Champions League qualification. City are in second place on 63 points behind runaway leaders Liverpool who have 83.

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