Man Utd joined by City in £70m transfer race for Kai Havertz with Bayer Leverkusen striker high on shopping list

MANCHESTER CITY have joined the £70m transfer race for Bayer Leverkusen star Kai Havertz.

The 20-year-old German has been one of the best players in Europe this season, scoring 12 goals already including two on Monday against Werder Bremen.

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The attacking midfielder has been scouted by some of the elite clubs across the continent, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

And City have joined that extensive list, with Pep Guardiola understood to be a huge admirer of his talents.

He will be one of the most targeted players when the transfer window opens this summer, with Leverkusen demanding around £100m.

But he could be available for around £70m due to the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the market, causing fees to crash.

City are starting to look at life without David Silva, as the 34-year-old's time at the Etihad slowly comes to an end after a stellar career.

Havertz is a different type of midfielder, who plays further forward and is expected to become a full-time No9 in the future.

Sergio Aguero does not have long left in Manchester either, and the German could eventually move into his position one day.

Guardiola has sent scouts to watch the Leverkusen star, who is understood to be open to the idea of playing abroad.

Bayern Munich have shown interest, but also want Leroy Sane, and they would not be able to afford both players.

The Premier League Champions have no intentions of selling their German winger, and would demand upwards of £100m to let him leave.

City will have a decent budget to spend this summer, but how much depends on their Champions League future next season.

Their appeal will be heard next month at The Court of Arbitration for Sport, who will decide their fate over a two-year axe from Europe next month.

They were found guilty of breaching strict Financial Fair Play rules by Uefa in February, and were also handed a heavy fine.