Bayer Leverkusen chief issues huge update on Man Utd and Chelsea target

Bayer Leverkusen have revealed they could be tempted into a sale of centre-back Jonathan Tah amid interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.

Tah has been linked with an array of big clubs this summer, with Stamford Bridge increasingly looking like a potential destination as the Blues look to rebuild their defensive department. Their interest may be even more intense now following the confirmed departure of Thiago Silva at the end of the season.

It won't be easy for them to procure Tah, but it has now been revealed that Leverkusen will be open to offers for the 28-year-old. His contract, which runs until 2025, is said to have a release clause of £15.5m, making him a relatively affordable option.

Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro admitted that he would prefer to keep the talented defender.

Carro said: "We want to extend his contract. We are a club that will not give players away for free. That means that we have to extend his contract, otherwise we will sell him.

"We have spoken to Jonathan, we value him very much. He knows that the club and all of us want to keep him in Leverkusen. He knows that. But we also respect his wish. We will see whether he stays with us in the end or goes somewhere else. We hope he stays.

"If I try to put myself in Jonathan's position, it might be more interesting for him if he wants to move or would end up moving, perhaps not to move within Germany. Maybe it is more interesting to move abroad."

Tah has enjoyed a successful campaign in Germany so far, featuring in 41 games across all competitions for Leverkusen, bagging six goals while doing so. He has also been crucial for Leverkusen's Bundesliga campaign this season, as Xabi Alonso's side claimed the club's first ever league title.

Leverkusen return to action on Thursday, when they travel to Roma for the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.

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