German legend Michael Ballack has issued Manchester United a warning over their potential pursuit of Bayern Leverkusen sensation Kai Havertz.
Havertz has been stealing all the headlines in the Bundesliga since the competition returned in mid-May and his impressive form has reportedly piqued interest at Old Trafford.
Manchester Evening News report Havertz is one of a number of players being considered by United as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer looks to bolster his attacking options.
The German international, who turns 21, next week, has been in electric form this term, scoring 11 Bundesliga goals and laying on another 5 assists.
Those figures are backed up by 17 league goals last season in what was his breakthrough campaign.
Ballack, who enjoyed a spell at Havertz’s current club Leverkusen, has emphasised the youngster’s talent, but is wary of the development that is still needed in his game.
“I think he’s a great talent,” he told Sport 1.
“He has outstanding technical skills and plays very freely,’ Ballack told Sport 1.
“It will be important for him to always play in the Champions League in order to be able to compete with the best. Therefore it will be important for Leverkusen to reach fourth place.
“One thing is clear – Havertz is not yet a finished player. That is not meant negatively, but I still see potential for improvement in his personality development and body language.
“But that is completely normal at his age. As a captain, he first has to learn to deal with this responsibility. His style of play has always been very carefree. If he ever lost the ball, he was allowed to stop. With a top club, everything will be more difficult and will no longer be accepted.”
A key point made by Ballack is Havertz’s desire to play in the Champions League. Solskjaer will know that it is essential United qualify for Europe’s elite competition with nine games remaining if they want to attract the finest talent this summer.
But United won’t be concerned that Havertz’s still has plenty to work on in his game as he has already demonstrated his brilliance in his fledgling career and Solskjaer is focusing his rebuild around promising young talent.
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