MANCHESTER UNITED have set their sights on hijacking Liverpool’s bid for Timo Werner in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Red Devils have struggled for goals this season and drew another blank in their 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth, leaving Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ready to make a move for the lethal German striker.
Werner netted a hat-trick as RB Leipzig thrashed Mainz 8-0 on Saturday and was linked with a switch to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich in the summer.
The 23-year-old ultimately signed a new contract with Julian Nagelsmann’s side, but that deal included abuy-out clause of just 27million.
United have been repeatedly linked with a January move for Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic but Werner is reportedly considered a more viable long term option.
According to the Mirror, United believe the promise of regular starts will help Solskjaer beat rival Jurgen Klopp in the race to land his compatriot.
The report adds that Liverpool would ideally want to sign Werner next year with Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino firmly established as the club’s front three.
The German International fits the profile United now use to identify new players in terms of his age and world-class potential.
The Red Devils have sent scouts to watch the striker in every game he has played this season for Leipzig.
But they are both facing competition from Chelsea after SunSport told you that the Blues are tracking the star – and are keeping tabs on Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson too.
United are also rumoured to have made contact with Zlatan Ibrahimovic over a stunning return to the club.
The 38-year-old left Old Trafford in 2018 to sign for Major League Soccer team LA Galaxy in the US, but will become a free agent in January.
