Chelsea have ‘vigorously denied’ allegations from Germany that director Marina Granovskaia asked her contacts to compile a dossier of Bayer Leverkusen’s hierarchy and their flaws and weaknesses, which could be used in transfer negotiations to lower the price of Kai Havertz.

Chelsea have been in hit pursuit of the attacking midfielder, but his £70m valuation is proving a stumbling block for their recruitment plans.

However, the club have said that the allegations are “complete fabrication” and are considering their options after legal action was taken in Germany.

A Chelsea spokesman told the PA news agency: “We vigorously deny these suggestions; these claims are a complete fabrication,”

According to reports, the Blues are not willing to part with more than £70m so Granovskaia is tasked with striking a deal with the German side.