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What’s the rumour?
As per reports from the Independent, Liverpool are ready to make a bid for RB Leipzig's Timo Werner. Jurgen Klopp wants to add more depth to his side ahead of the new season.
In case you didn't know:
Timo Werner is a member of the latest batch of players that have been dubbed the next superstars in football. The German is an academy graduate of VfB Stuttgart and plies his trade for RB Leipzig. He's played three full seasons at Stuttgart, scoring 14 goals.
In June 2016, he was snapped up by RB Leipzig for a reported €10 million. The forward has been their focal point in attack and has scored 37 goals in 66 games for the club.
Many top European clubs are admirers of the 22-year-old - including Liverpool who are ready to make a bid for the player.
The heart of the matter:
Liverpool have put on a show with some great offensive football this season. The trio of Mohammed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane has been firing on all cylinders. The only back up they have in the striking position is Dominic Solanke who is yet to show promise and Danny Ings who has spent the majority of the season injured.
Klopp wants to address this issue this summer and is interested in bringing Werner to Anfield.
The striker, though, is not interested in a move away from the Germany and is committed to the club as per reports. It will take some persuasion from Klopp (or from anyone who wants him) to prise him away this summer.
Rumour rating/probability - 6/10
The player is under contract till 2020 and Leipzig will not be forced to sell him as the player does not want a move away. Potential suitors will have to pay around £54 million and even if someone did, Leipzig are likely to play hardball over the transfer. Nothing concrete can be said as of now and we may have to wait for further developments.
Video: The best of Werner this season
Author’s take
Werner is a player with huge potential and he may have a starring role to play for Germany in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well. He is also one of the most sought-after players in the game and Liverpool will not find it easy to rope him in. But, if they can, he will undoubtedly make an already good forward-line, even better.
