Chelsea and Manchester United have pounced on Liverpool's indecisiveness in their pursuit of Timo Werner by making contact with the striker's agent themselves.
Werner is one of the most sought after talents in world football after enjoying another free scoring season for RB Leipzig. The German hoshot has now netted 88 goals in 150 appearances since arriving at the club from Stuttgart back in 2016.
The 24-year-old seemed set to become a free agent in the summer, only for him to pen new terms with Julian Nagelsmann's side in August. This new deal did little to quell speculation over his long term future, though, with Liverpool seemingly set to make him their marquee signing this summer.
However, the Reds are wary of sanctioning any big money moves in the wake of the financial uncertainty caused but the COVID-19 crisis. This has led to the club putting the brakes on their pursuit of the striker and according to Bild (via the Mirror), United and Chelsea are trying to capitalise.
Both clubs are understand to have contacted Werner's representatives over a potential deal with Bayern Munich also thought to be chasing his signature.
The German dropped a big hint that he would favour a move to the Premier League in a recent interview.
Timo Werner is reportedly taking English lessons.
— 90min (@90min_Football) April 20, 2020
First phrase to learn: "Pass the ball Mo!" ?https://t.co/zvvmYY57Ax
"Bavaria is a great club, we don't need to talk about it. And Hansi Flick has proven this season that he's a really good head coach," Werner said.
"But if a change should ever become an issue, I would rather take a step abroad than switch to Bavaria. It's just that the challenge in another league would appeal to me a little more than a change within the Bundesliga."
Those who are missing watching Werner terrorise defences should not have to wait much longer for their fix. The Bundesliga has received permission from the German government to resume the season in late May, albeit with strict social distancing in place.
Source : 90min