Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz should they not finish in the Premier League's top four this season.
The Blues have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who has scored 17 goals and provided nine assists in 43 matches this season.
According to BBC Sport, Havertz's next club does not have to be in the Champions League.
The Germany international reportedly holds the long-term ambitions of a club with just as much significance as the top competition in Europe.
Chelsea are in third place in the Premier League table, just one point ahead of the final Champions League qualification spot with three matches remaining.
Frank Lampard has already brought in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech this summer but faces competition from LaLiga giants Real Madrid in the battle to acquire Havertz's services.
It was reported last week that Havertz has told Leverkusen of his desire to play elsewhere following the conclusion to the 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign.
Havertz's performances propelled the club to a fifth-place finish in the German top flight, while they also finished as runners up in the German Cup.
The starlet has been valued at £75million but Chelsea will reportedly have to be prepared to offer his £90m release clause should they wish to secure a deal.
jaymohkabue
79
Instead we should sign new defenders..we have plenty of midfielders
jRoms17
55
yeah, no one could afford him anyway, his options were play europa at Bayer or Europa at Chelsea🤣. but now it seems we are favoured to qualify. only 4 points needed