Champions League could keep Hernandez at Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen CEO Michael Schade has admitted that the club may have to qualify for the Champions League this season if they hope to keep Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez.

The Mexican international has gathered a number of admirers at some of Europe's top clubs since joining Leverkusen, having scored 22 goals in 26 games for the team this season. Among the clubs said to be interested in his services are Premier League giants Chelsea and Arsenal.

Although Schade is adamant that Leverkusen don't wish to sell any of their best players he is also realistic about the club's ability to turn down offers should they fail to qualify for Europe's premier club competition.

"If we qualify for the Champions League then we have very good chances that he will stay with us," Schade said in an interview published in Wednesday's edition of the "Rheinische Post" newspaper. "As things stand now we do not want to sell any player," he added, before noting that Chicharito's contract runs beyond the end of this campaign.

"We are, however, a commercial enterprise and there are limits. If there are huge offers, then we will consider them."

Head coach Roger Schmidt's side currenty sit third in the Bundesliga table and if they are still there by the end of the season, this would earn them automatic Champions League qualification. They are currently in great form in the Bundesliga, having gone unbeaten in six matches.

The club are currently competing in this season's Europa League after dropping down from the Champions League following a third-place finish in Group E.

Hernandez joined the Bundesliga side from Manchester United on a three-year deal in August of last year, after having been loaned out to Real Madrid the previous season.