Chelsea are edging closer to a deal for Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Kai Havertz, with personal terms reportedly close to being agreed.

Speculation has heavily linked the Blues with a move for the Leverkusen midfielder in recent months. Havertz is one of Europe's highest-rated talents after directly contributing to 26 goals this term.

Earlier reports suggested Real Madrid and Manchester United – among others – could hand Chelsea significant competition.

However, Madrid president Florentino Perez recently admitted that his club's financial situation is "very bad". What's more, Jadon Sancho has emerged as United's top summer target.

As such, The Athletic (via Chelsea News) claims Chelsea remain the only club willing to pay Havertz's €80 million (£73 million) asking price.

What's more, Blues boss Frank Lampard has reportedly had a crucial input by holding personal talks with the midfielder. Indeed, such an approach saw Chelsea lure Timo Werner to Stamford Bridge.

Previous reports suggested Havertz would give Chelsea his word over a move if both sides could strike a deal.

Now, The Athletic adds that Havertz wants a move to Stamford Bridge regardless of the outcome of their push for Champions League football next term.

The Germany international is keen to be part of Chelsea's exciting vision – and their crop of young stars – under Lampard.

What's more, such is Havertz's desire that personal terms are no longer a roadblock. Chelsea and Havertz have reportedly acted swiftly to iron out those negotiations.

Havertz also acted swiftly himself earlier this month. The latest report adds that the Germany international decided after Leverkusen's defeat in the German Cup final on July 4 that he would seek a move away.

Should Havertz secure his move, he would join compatriots Werner and Antonio Rudiger in the Chelsea ranks.

- TEAMtalk media