Real Madrid are reportedly ready to rival Liverpool for the signature of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner this summer.
The 23-year-old is widely expected to leave Leipzig for a top European club at the end of the campaign, having once again attracted interest with a prolific season which has seen him score 27 goals and create 11 more in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Liverpool have long been regarded as the favourites to sign him, and Werner himself did nothing to quell the speculation by heaping praise on the Merseysiders and manager Jurgen Klopp last month.
However, Marca reports that Real Madrid could attempt to hijack any Liverpool move for the Germany international as they look to bring in more competition for Karim Benzema.
Madrid are understood to have drawn up a three-man striker shortlist including Werner, Borussia Dortmund's Erling Braut Haaland and Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.
Haaland is thought to be Madrid's number one target from those three players, but they could be tempted into making a move for Werner given the Leipzig man's £51m release clause, which must be triggered before April.
Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Werner, who has 88 goals in 147 games for Leipzig.
Barney Corkhill
