Kai Havertz should reject Real Madrid to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, according to Dimitar Berbatov.

The 21-year-old has been linked with Real, Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester United.

But former Leverkusen striker Berbatov says the German club is the best place for Havertz to develop his skills.

He told Betfair: "Kai Havertz continues to impress and he has attracted a lot of attention, including the attention of Real Madrid. For me, at the moment he shouldn't consider any offer from Real Madrid.

"It is a tough place to go and, if you are not prepared mentally for the high demands that they have there, then you are going to have a difficult time.

"Look at Luka Jovic and Edin Hazard. Thibaut Courtois was criticised at the start, Gareth Bale still gets booed and even Cristiano Ronaldo used to get booed, which was unbelievable.

"It is tempting to imagine yourself in the white shirt at the Bernabeu, but you need to be really prepared for the reality. Havertz is still very young, even if he stays at Leverkusen for one more year it will be good for his development physically, technically and mentally.

"Madrid have a big squad with great players and it would be difficult for him to play every game in my opinion. He is definitely a player for the future but he wants to be playing now, so Leverkusen is the best place for him to develop and grow.

"He isn't going to lose anything staying there, he is a starter now and playing regularly in the Bundesliga and people are taking note of him.

"I know Leverkusen, I know how they develop their players and the nurturing environment there. He won't lose anything staying there for another year, it will only be beneficial for him."