TIMO WERNER is reportedly set to refuse a potential swap deal involving Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
It was previously reported that the misfiring German could be used as a makeweight in the Blues’ bid to land the Norwegian.
Chelsea have joined the long queue for 20-year-old striker Haaland’s services, with Manchester United and Manchester City also keen.
But German newspaper Bild claim Werner is not interested in heading back to the Bundesliga as part of any deal with Dortmund.
The 25-year-old has struggled since his £45million move from RB Leipzig in the summer.
The Germany international has scored just one Premier League goal since November – in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on February 15.
Yet Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was quick to shut down those suggestions that Werner could leave Stamford Bridge as speculation.
He said: “In the moment I don’t see why he should be frustrated. We gave him a little time to breathe against Leeds.
“But right now, I don’t see why he should be too frustrated. And honestly, nobody here is blaming the strikers.
“This is a team effort to attack and defend, but we expect our guys to create more chances, to be more decisive because we expect the defenders to play on the highest level and so we also expect that of our strikers.
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“And then maybe all the stuff you read will disappear.”
Haaland, meanwhile, has a £66million release clause that comes into effect in 2022 but Dortmund could be open to selling him for more this summer.
A host of top European clubs including Man City and Real Madrid are expected to scrap for his signature.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
