Report: Havertz would consider move to non-Champions League club

Champions League football isn't a deal breaker for Kai Havertz.

Bayer Leverkusen's wantaway attacking midfielder would consider joining a club that hasn't qualified for next season's Champions League, according to BBC Sport's Alistair Magowan. Havertz apparently values a club's long-term vision as equally important to participation in Europe's flagship competition.

Chelsea were reportedly encouraged in their pursuit of Havertz last week when there were rumors the player wanted to join Frank Lampard's ranks. This latest development would presumably accelerate the Blues' chase, with their place in the Champions League not assured for the 2020-21 campaign.

Chelsea are four points above Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in third place, but they have played one more game than their rivals for a top-four spot. Fifth place in the Premier League table isn't enough for a Champions League berth after Manchester City won their appeal against a two-year European ban on Monday.

Chelsea's final two matches of the Premier League season are against Liverpool and Wolves.

The Blues have already strengthened their squad for next term with transfers for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech already wrapped up. They are also linked with a deal for a new left-back - Everton's Lucas Digne is among those reportedly interesting Chelsea - and could oversee a fire sale to bankroll more incoming transactions this summer.

The west London side's ties with Havertz have been ongoing. The 21-year-old scored 12 goals over the recently concluded Bundesliga campaign, 10 of which were tallied in his final 15 starts of the season, and he led his team in key passes. Havertz is valued at around £90 million (€99 million).