TIMO WERNER is ready to join Liverpool ahead of Chelsea if the Reds meet his £52million release clause, according to reports.
The RB Leipzig striker, 24, has attracted plenty of transfer interest this season after his stunning performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
However, as reported by Sky Sports, any club wanting to sign the forward for that price will have to secure a deal before June 15.
That is because the contract extension he signed last summer until 2023 included a clause that makes him available for £52m – but that price tag expires at the beginning of the summer.
But it looks increasingly unlikely that a deal for that figure will get completed in time due to the UK lockdown.
Leipzig are then expected to bump up their asking price for the Germany international as soon as that date passes.
Both Liverpool and Chelsea are understood to have made contact and were given a boost with reports stating that the Germany international has stating taking English lessons.
Werner has a special place in his heart for the Reds who he recently hailed as “the best team in the world” and added he would be a “good fit” at Anfield, further implying he would prefer to join the runaway Premier League leaders.
However, Werner wants to be assured of regular game time before committing to an Anfield switch.
With Mo Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane, the Reds boast one of the very best attacks in world football.
And the former Stuttgart man acknowledges he is not quite at their level.
Having said that, the Leipzig star has enjoyed a fantastic season bagging 27 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions.
His strikes have helped his club to third in the Bundesliga table and secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
And those who saw his performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the last-16 first leg will know he showed exactly the kind of damage he could cause Premier League defences.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are ready to let Olivier Giroud leave and want to bring Werner in to provide serious competition for Tammy Abraham.
Meanwhile, reports also state that both Barcelona and Real Madrid are considering moves – if they fail to land their primary transfer targets.
Barca want a reunion with Neymar and to complete the signing of Lautaro Martinez while Los Blancos are desperate to get Kylian Mbappe to move to the Bernabeu.
