Liverpool and Real Madrid on red alert as RB Leipzig accept Timo Werner exit

LIVERPOOL and Real Madrid could be set for a transfer battle this summer over RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.

Posted Monday, April 15, 2019 by Dailystar.co.uk

Liverpool and Real Madrid could battle for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner this summer

The Germany international has been linked with both clubs in the past, as well as Bayern Munich.

Liverpool are desperate for competition for Roberto Firmino, with Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi expected to leave the club.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid are set to undergo a squad makeover as Zinedine Zidane plots to make them European contenders again.

Werner has scored 17 times so far this season but it could be his last campaign at the club after Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff hinted that he'll likely be sold this summer.

The 23-year-old has just a year left on his contract, meaning the German club must cash in to avoid losing him for free at the end of next season.

"We want to extend it with him," Mintzlaff said.

"But he has signalled to us that he would rather not."

Should Jurgen Klopp move for Werner, it'll be his second big-money signing from Leipzig in as many years.

Naby Keita joined last summer in a deal worth £52m and he is currently enjoying a run in the first team following a difficult period.

And former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol doesn't think the 24-year-old has contributed enough goals.

"Let's be honest, we've got five games left and we're saying he's beginning to pick it up," he told ESPN FC.

"He hasn't done particularly well. He's had a couple of games where he's played back-to-back, but other than that he's not been seen much this season.

"I think in all honesty Klopp will be disappointed in what he's got this year from Keita.

"There's no question that he fits the mould of Liverpool's middle three, he will get around the field, he will close the ball down, he will get the ball to the front three.

"But when they bought this guy, the idea was for him to then chip in with some goals as well."