Chelsea are reportedly plotting to snatch RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner from under Liverpool’s noses as both clubs have the plan to negotiate a cheaper deal compared to his current release clause.
The 24-year-old was once again on the scoresheet when Leipzig defeated Koln in a 4-2 Bundesliga victory on Monday which means he has now raked 25 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances; 31 goals across all competitions.
The striker has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, with Forbes claiming the striker has had a phone conversation with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.
But according to a report from The Telegraph, Werner’s preference to join Liverpool has not stopped Chelsea from exploring the situation with a view to making a bid of their own.
Liverpool have been reluctant to Werner’s £53million release clause which expires on June 15 despite the striker’s reported willingness to play under Jurgen Klopp.
Interestingly, the report claimed both Chelsea and Liverpool may be willing to allow Werner’s current release to expire since it will drop to £36m in 12 months.
With the Bundesliga club having pretty much admitted defeat over prospect of keeping the Germany international, Chelsea and Liverpool could try to negotiate a fee between £36m and £53m to sign Werner this summer, the report said.
Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann spoke about Werner’s situation on Monday night, saying: “There is nothing we can do about it.
“He knows what he has in Leipzig and also what he has with me.
“I show him that — he gets man many chances to develop himself. I don’t know if it will help him that much if I tell him every day.
“A player has to feel that he can get better. If he doesn’t feel that, it wouldn’t do any good if I kept on telling him to stay here.
“In the end, it is his life, his career; he can decide that.”
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