Chelsea deny claims Marina Granovskaia has acted unprofessionally in Kai Havertz transfer pursuit

Chelsea's Russian director has built an impressive reputation as one of the most powerful women in football
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Richard Parry31 July 2020

Chelsea have moved to "vigorously deny" claims that director Marina Granovskaia has acted unprofessionally in the club’s pursuit of Kai Havertz.

Rumours have circulated that Blues director Granovskaia has been speaking to contacts in Germany, seeking information on Leverkusen's setup that could help when haggling over a transfer fee for star midfielder Havertz in order to compile a dossier of potential weaknesses in Bayer Leverkusen's hierarchy to gain an upper hand in negotiations.

But now Chelsea have issued a firm denial of those claims, insisting owner Roman Abramovich's most trusted advisor approaches transfer dealings with the utmost professionalism.

"We vigorously deny these suggestions; these claims are a complete fabrication," a Chelsea spokesman told the Press Association.

Granovskaia oversees Chelsea's transfer strategy, especially in terms of negotiation.

The Blues' Russian director has built an impressive reputation as one of the most powerful women in football, and is highly respected for her negotiating skills.

Stamford Bridge bosses have been frustrated by these latest claims over her conduct however, to the point of issuing a robust rejection.

Chelsea 2020 summer transfer window

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Chelsea have already recruited RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner for £54million and Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech for £34m as manager Frank Lampard aims to rebuild the Blues' squad.

Havertz is understood to be intent on a move to Chelsea this summer, with the two clubs agreeing a fee thought to be the final piece of the jigsaw before a transfer.

Chelsea are also in the market for defensive reinforcements, with Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell having been identified as their top target to upgrade the left back role.

They are also understood to be in the market for a new goalkeeper with Lampard unconvinced by Kepa Arrizabalaga.

They are interested in Ajax’s Andre Onana and Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak, while reports in Spain have linked them with a move for Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Additional reporting by the Press Association