German sensation Kai Havertz has been told he can improve his game under Jurgen Klopp - but should wait a year before considering a move to Liverpool or any other leading club.
Havertz has become one of the most sought-after talents in Europe after an outstanding season with Bayer Leverkusen.
The 20-year-old took his tally to 12 goals with a brace in the 4-1 win at Werder Bremen on Monday night as the Bundesliga resumed following a two-month suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Klopp is a huge admirer of Havertz although Liverpool believe the player is not worth anywhere near the 100million euros Leverkusen are expected to ask for him this summer. Nevertheless, the youngster would prosper at Anfield according to one Leverkusen legend.
"He is on the way to becoming a world-class player, he has huge potential,” former Germany international Jens Nowotny, speaking to Goal and SPOX.
"The next step is very, very important. Another year in Leverkusen would certainly not hurt him. For his personal development as a player and as a person it would be good for him to be in an environment in which he feels comfortable – and that’s the case in Leverkusen. Otherwise he would not have already spent 10 years at the club."
Nowotny, who helped knock Liverpool out of the Champions League in 2002, added: “To fulfil his potential, the next step is very, very important. He has to ask himself questions: are there clubs where he can develop if there is a possible change? Or are there only clubs where he has to arrive and function as a finished player?
“On the one hand, you need coaches like Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola or Jose Mourinho, who can take him further. On the other hand, such a coach also has to work for a club where he is allowed to develop. For a young player, Borussia Dortmund may be better than Bayern Munich in terms of club and environment."
