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Bayern Munich chief Uli Hoeness reveals they will not sign Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz

  /  autty

Chelsea have received a major boost in their pursuit of Kai Havertz after Bayern Munich confirmed they have pulled out of the race.

The 21-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star is regarded as Frank Lampard's remaining primary target in attack in the summer transfer window.

The Stamford Bridge club have already brought in Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech from RB Leipzig and Ajax respectively.

But they have now switched their attentions to targeting Havertz, who enjoyed an outstanding 2019-20 campaign after scoring 17 times for Leverkusen.

The Germany international has also reached an agreement with the Bundesliga side to move this summer if their valuation is met, and Bayern's interest has long been touted, with club chiefs keen to take him to the Allianz Arena.

However, having signed Leroy Sane from Manchester City, honorary president Uli Hoeness has insisted they will do no more major deals unless they can sell one or two of their own big names.

'I am sure that after Leroy Sane there will be no major transfers this year,' Bayern's honorary president told German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine.

'This has nothing to do with the quality of Havertz. We all think he is a very, very good player.

'But in the corona period after a transfer of almost €50million, one of €70-80million or more, I can't imagine making unless we secure counter-financing through player sales.'

Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller has been hopeful that Havertz will stay until 2021, but with the club missing out on Champions League that now appears a distant possibility.

Leverkusen are due to face Rangers in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie this week, but it remains to be seen if Havertz will take part.