Report: Liverpool very close to deal for Timo Werner

Liverpool are reportedly very close to agreeing a deal with RB Leipzig for contract rebel striker Timo Werner.

The Germany international has made clear to the Bundesliga side that he does not intend to extend his current deal.

Werner, who has notched 60 goals in 108 appearances for Leipzig since joining from Stuttgart in 2016, is due to become a free agent in 14 months' time.

Leipzig may therefore have to cash in to the highest bidder this summer, with Bayern Munich and Liverpool considered to be the leading candidates to sign the 23-year-old.

Transfer expert Ian McGarry, speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, suggested that the Reds could be on the verge of signing their long-term target.

"When a player refuses to sign a new contract it's usually because he's got an agreement in place somewhere else," he said. "My information is Liverpool are very close to agreeing personal terms with Werner.

"Obviously they have been lacking a natural number nine out-and-out striker for some time. Divock Origi hasn't made any impression, Daniel Sturridge has obviously had his injury problems and has failed to make an impression when he's come on this season.

"Adding a proper number nine to their already very potent attacking force is something Jurgen Klopp has been very, very keen to do. Whether they win the title or not I think that's something they will press ahead and recruit anyway."

Leipzig are believed to be holding out for around £43m for Werner, with that money possibly going towards signing English striker Tammy Abraham from Chelsea.