DIETMAR HAMANN has compared Manchester United target Kai Havertz to Germany legend Michael Ballack, urging more Premier League clubs to join the race for him.

The former Liverpool star has dubbed Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Havertz, 20, the best player in Germany, calling him a "natural".

While many clubs, including Hamann's former Reds, are chasing Timo Werner, the former defensive midfielder is adamant Havertz is who they should sign.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Hamann said: "The one player who stands out for me is Havertz.

He's an exceptional player who reminds me of a young Michael Ballack.

"He has that air of arrogance… in a nice way.

He's just a natural. He's two-footed, he's tall and he's good in the air.

"He's very versatile, he can play across the front, he can play in any position.

"I think he is the best player we have got in Germany at the moment.

"There's talk about Werner maybe going to England and obviously he's a different player but I think Havertz is the one I would be looking at."

Hamann won eight major trophies in seven years at Anfield – and has warned his former club AGAINST signing Werner if they are to get their hands on more silverware.

Werner will cost Liverpool £52million, but only if they sign him before June 15 when his release clause expires.

On the potential deal, Hamann continued: "I'm not too sure [about it]. The thing with Liverpool is you've probably got the best front three in world football.

"If you play out wide for Liverpool, even though the full-backs like to go on the overlap, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are both very tricky players, they are very skilful and Werner is not that type of player.

"His biggest asset by far is his pace and if I watch games now, even at Anfield, with Liverpool being so superior to most teams, most of them sit back.

"And if you deny Werner space, he's a lot less effective.

"If you look at his goal record for Leipzig, his goals this season has been outstanding but they like to play on the counter-attack and they're not really a possession team.

"I don't think he's got the trickery to play out wide as Mane and Salah have.

"Then if you look at Roberto Firmino's position, I think the way they are set up, you almost need a Teddy Sheringham-type player like Firmino is to link things up.

"He's not really one who goes in behind the back four, he likes to come short and bring Salah and Mane into the play so I just don't know where he would play.

"I'm sure there are players out there who will help Liverpool more next season than Werner."

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