BAYERN MUNICH are ready to rival Liverpool in the transfer chase for RB Leipzig’s goal machine Timo Werner, German reports claim.
The 23-year-old striker has scored 25 times in 31 matches this season and sits behind only Bayern’s hitman Robert Lewandowski as top scorer in the Bundesliga.
Bayern Munich are ready to rival Liverpool in the transfer chase for RB Leipzig’s goal machine Timo WernerCredit: EPA
According to Kicker, the German champions are monitoring Werner’s situation at Leipzig, and identified the prolific finisher as a long-term replacement for Lewandowski, 31.
Bayern passed up the opportunity to sign the forward for £20million last summer as they instead chased Manchester City’s Leroy Sane.
But German winger Sane picked up an injury against Chelsea in the Community Shield meaning his potential switch to Munich collapsed.
The City forward is nearing a return to the squad, but since he has swapped agents it is claimed Bayern chiefs have ended their interest in the player.
It is believed Werner has a release clause of £51m in his contract, but that expires in April.
Premier League leaders Liverpool were believed to have stepped up their negotiations to sign the Leipzig forward to avoid paying an inflated fee for the German.
However, despite the interest from the European champions, Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff insisted Werner is not distracted by the transfer speculation.
He told Transfermarkt: “We hear these reports all the time. Someone makes something up, and everyone else copies it.
“Werner is happy here and wants to play the rest of the season.”
Chelsea and Manchester United were also linked with the 23-year-old in the winter window.
But with Lepzig chasing the German title top scorer Werner would not be sold this season.
Bayern lead the way just a point above Leipzig, with Borussia Dortmund in third, four points off the top.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk