Blues seal £70m deal for Havertz

Chelsea have announced the signing of Germany international Kai Havertz on a five-year contract.

The 21-year-old attacking midfielder has made the move to Stamford Bridge from Bayer Leverkusen for a fee that will rise to a maximum of £70 million.

“I am very happy and proud to be here,” Havertz told the club’s website.

“For me it is a dream come true to play in a big club like Chelsea and I can’t wait to meet all the players and the trainers. Yeah, I am very happy to be here!”

Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £72m switch from Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea in 2018 will remain as the Blues’ record signing.

PROTOCOL

Covid questions for Scottish non league clubs

Non-league clubs from the juniors, East of Scotland League and Lowland League can start friendlies from September 12 but still need questions answered.

The document issued by the SFA Joint Response Group contained the protocol that clubs will have to adhere to before they are allowed to stage a game.

The main question is on use of dressing-rooms and numbers allowed in.

It was initially thought that the first few friendly games would take place without dressing rooms being available and players would have to arrive wearing their kit.

However, this now appears not to be the case with the document stating that dressing rooms would be allowed but would be subject to the social distancing guidelines and without shower facilities.

Clubs have a meeting arranged with the SFA’s Ian Maxwell on Tuesday with questions surrounding dressing rooms and showers likely to be at the top of the list.

If these questions can be answered most clubs are confident that they can comply to the protocols and they can return to action for friendlies – albeit without supporters being present.

This is another concern that worries clubs, with the majority unable to see league fixtures, with their added costs, starting behind closed doors. the the