Liverpool target issued transfer ultimatum
Timo Werner has been handed an ultimatum by RB Leipzig: Sign a new deal or leave.
Werner, 22, has scored 11 goals in 17 games for the Bundesliga side so far this term, but his future is in question.
The Germany striker is holding off on a new contract at the club, which is set to expire in 2020, and is assessing his options amid interest from elsewhere.
Liverpool are among a number of clubs keeping tabs on Werner - who joined RBL from Stuttgart in 2016 - while Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation.
Werner spoke last month of a possible move, but also intimated that he could look to remain with Leipzig for another year.
But the club's CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has told Werner that unless he agrees to a contract extension then he will be sold in the summer.
"Of course we have to know at the latest after the end of the season," Mintzlaff declared, speaking to Kicker. "A club like us cannot afford to go with Timo Werner in a final contract year.
"It's logical that such a player should be courted by clubs that have a very different sporting perspective and different financial possibilities than we have.
"But as long as we develop as a club, and of course the Champions League participation would be very helpful, I believe that Werner is still in good hands with us.
"If Timo does not strive for the highest possible salary, then it would be a good investment in his sporting future."
That is a boost to both Bayern and Liverpool's hopes of landing Werner, who has 23 caps for his country, potentially for a reduced fee.
Liverpool scouts were in attendance to see him score twice against Borussia Monchengladbach in early December.
Real Madrid have also been mooted as another possible destination for Werner, with the European champions continuing to eye young attacking talent.
Source: Daily Mirror
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