Fans reckon Kai Havertz is set for Bayern Munich transfer after being left out of Bayer Leverkusen squad for defeat
FANS reckon Kai Havertz is on his way to Bayern Munich after being left out of the Bayer Leverkusen squad for today's 4-2 defeat to the runaway Bundesliga leaders.
The German sensation, 20, continues to be linked with a transfer away from his boyhood club - with the Bavarian giants among the interested parties.
And eyebrows were raised as the team sheets came out with Havertz not involved.
The official reason was injury after being forced off with a muscle problem against Freiburg last week.
But Twitter users were quick to think of their conspiracy theories and suggested his absence was because of an impending transfer.
One said: "Kai Havertz not playing in the Bayer Leverkusen v Bayern Munich match because of ‘muscular problems’... definitely nothing to do with his transfer links this past week then."
Another wrote: "Havertz is signing his contract at Bayern Munich instead of playing today. Good choice Kai."
And a third added: "No way is Havertz out of this game with a slight muscle injury....He'll be back for the next game. Missing this because he's off to Bayern."
Havertz, 20, is wanted by a host of top clubs across Europe, including Manchester United and their domestic rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.
The Leverkusen star is enjoying a stunning season in front of goal, becoming the first player to score 35 Bundesliga goals before turning 21.
Reports in Germany suggested Real Madrid made a bid of £71m with the offer to loan Havertz back to Bayer next season - but this was rejected with the Bundesliga side determined to hold out for around £90m for their academy graduate.
But Munich are still very interested and ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga clash between the two sides, Bayern boss Hansi Flick admitted any coach would love to have Havertz.
He said: "I think very few coaches wouldn't want to have Kai Havertz in their team. I've known him since the U17s (Germany national team). He has developed enormously well at Leverkusen.
"He moves very well between the lines and has strong instinct to score goals at a young age."
Havertz was replaced by Lucas Alario in the Leverkusen starting XI for the home clash with the league leaders.
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And just nine minutes in, Alario beat the offside trap to give his side a shock lead after VAR proved the linesman was wrong to put his flag up.
But Flick's side responded like champions with three goals before the break from Kingsley Coman, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry.
Robert Lewandowski headed in his 44th goal of another incredible campaign to make it 4-1 midway through the second half before Florian Wirtz put in a neat late consolation.
