Real Madrid have reportedly identified RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner as a potential January transfer target.
The Germany international is currently in his second season back at a club where he forged his reputation after a mixed two years at Chelsea.
While the versatile attacker contributed 16 goals and six assists during 2022-23, it has been a different story this time around having failed to establish a place in Marco Rose's starting lineup.
Werner has been provided with just two starts and nine substitute outings in the Bundesliga and Champions League, accumulating only 234 minutes.
As a result, there have been suggestions that RB Leipzig are willing to part ways with the 27-year-old at the midway point of the campaign.
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The Premier League duo of West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Fulham have all been credited as possible destinations for Werner in January.
However, according to Sport, Real are toying with the idea of entering the race for Werner as they bid to boost their attacking options.
With a straight replacement for Karim Benzema having not been signed in the summer, Carlo Ancelotti has already been relatively limited down the centre of his attack.
Vinicus Junior and Rodrygo - usually regarded as wingers - have been deputising as a front two, but the former has been ruled out for at least two months with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.
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While Ancelotti has alternative options, the Italian may be forced to tinker with the rest of his first XI to try to find a greater balance, an undesired moved given that Real are only two points behind top spot in La Liga.
The report suggests that Real officials are now prepared to enter the market for a loan addition, a scenario that brings Werner into the equation.
Although RB Leipzig are likely to prefer a permanent transfer if possible, both club and player are expected to entertain a temporary switch to Madrid if the deal suits all parties.
Whether any approach would prove to be a straight loan without an option to buy remains to be seen with Real having ambitions to spend big on a new number nine ahead of 2024-25.
Darren Plant
