Kai Havertz has agreed with Bayer Leverkusen that he can depart this summer.
But the German side will continue to seek a transfer fee in the region of £90million for the Bundesliga’s brightest homegrown young star.
Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are all keen on the 21-year-old German international, who has enjoyed an outstanding campaign.
Zinedine Zidane is a fan of Havertz, who likes to operate as a No.10 but has been used both as a No.9 and in a deeper central midfield role by Leverkusen boss Peter Bosz this season.
And Bayern, who beat Leverkusen 4-2 in the German Cup Final at the weekend, are long-time admirers of a player who has scored 17 times this term.
However, both would prefer to wait until 2021 to finalise a deal, with Madrid needing to raise funds amid the redevelopment of the Bernabeu and Bayern having spent big on Leroy Sane.
CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has made clear their financial position, and unless someone is sold for big money - potentially Thiago Alcantara or David Alaba - then a deal is unfeasible at this time.
That leaves Chelsea in pole position.
And while the Blues are keen to do a deal at closer to £70million, their position is strengthened by Havertz’s desire to test himself at a higher level now.
Leverkusen only finished fifth in the Bundesliga this season, and thus will miss out on Champions League football next term unless they win the Europa League next month.
They are currently on course to reach the last eight, having won the first leg of their last 16 tie against Rangers 3-1 at Ibrox.
Bayer sporting director Rudi Voller is still hopeful that Havertz will remain one more year.
But if the right offer arrives, then a player he believes is the best in Bayer’s history, will be allowed to depart.
He told Bild last week: “As of now, he is our player.
“We have our ideas, we know what he can do. I personally hope that he stays one more year.
“We have an agreement: if it works, he can go this summer."
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