Kai Havertz has explained where he sees his best position on the pitch, amid speculation that he has asked Bayer Leverkusen to sanction his sale this summer.
The Leverkusen midfielder has attracted interest from a host of top clubs thanks to his performances in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 12 goals and provided six assists in 30 league appearances.
And according to German outlet Bild, Chelsea could be set to act after the midfielder asked Bayer Leverkusen to sanction his sale this summer.
Chelsea are reportedly one of two clubs actively trying to sign the youngster, with the other Real Madrid.
The report claims Zidane is a big fan of Havertz, but unless the La Liga giants sell enough players, they won't be able to afford the player this summer.
The Blues are reportedly prepared to pay Leverkusen’s €100m asking price for Kai Havertz, but will negotiate breaking it up into instalments.
And if Chelsea are successful in their efforts to sign the youngster, Blues boss Frank Lampard has already been told how he could get the best from the German.
"I would say the No.8 position, inside right," Havertz said in an interview with Marca in November.
"I'm not a classic No.10, but I like to have the ball at my feet, simply enjoying myself on the pitch.
"I've played in many other positions, but I prefer to play in the centre, where I have more of the ball. My dream will always be to wear the No.10 one day at my club.
"There are many players that inspired me like Kaka, Zidane, Ronaldinho... They've always been my idols. Between the Spanish players, my favourite is Andres Iniesta. He's outstanding on the ball. Unique. I like him the most.
"Toni Kroos is a great player, I model myself on him a lot. His journey has been great. I have a lot of respect for him. His passing ability and his combination play is on another level.
"In [Germany] training, every pass from him is perfect. It doesn't matter how they give it to him."
He also outlined how his role has developed at Bayer Leverkusen having become their talisman in recent years.
He added: "I'm at a point where I don't care if I give an assist, score a goal or make a key pass.
"Right now, I have a role at Bayer to try to make the final pass, and not only be a goal-scorer. But I would say that I'm a dangerous player... and that I like to score goals."
Havertz's admission that he prefers to play as a number eight gives Lampard the potential to field the German in an extremely attacking line-up next season including Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner - if the Blues can get a deal over the line.
The Blues have already secured a deal to sign playmaker Ziyech from Ajax, with the Moroccan international due to officially complete his move next month.
Werner has also joined the Blues from RB Leipzig on a five-year deal, after the west London side activated his £54million transfer clause.
With Werner able to operate from the left, Lampard could use Ziyech on the opposite flank with Tammy Abraham through the middle. This would allow Havertz to play in his favoured midfield role where he could make runs into the box.
Lampard could also use Werner through the middle, with Ziyech and Christian Pulisic either side, with the USA international in sparking form in recent games.
