Liverpool opting against spending big, rival clubs close in on Werner deal

Manchester United and Chelsea have reportedly been in contact with RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner's representatives regarding a transfer.

Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old earlier in the season when the striker himself made no secret of his admiration for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and his style of play.

However, with football facing a global financial crisis, recent reports had suggested that Liverpool chiefs have decided to save their funds and opt against spending big.

While that may be the case, The Guardian claimed on Tuesday that Liverpool have instead asked for more time to consider a move for Werner given that the club are unlikely to fall into financial ruin.

According to German newspaper Bild, Liverpool's reluctance has allowed United and Chelsea to swoop in for Werner.

The newspaper's head of football, Christian Falk, claimed that the Red Devils and Frank Lampard's side have already contacted Werner's agent, with Liverpool's offer for the forward yet to arrive on the table.

Werner had been in sensational form before football was brought to a halt in the middle of March, having scored 27 goals in 36 appearances in all competitions.

Indeed, the Bundesliga looks set to be the first major European league to resume action later this month, with an announcement about a start date expected from German chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday.

The update comes after the French first and second divisions were ended prematurely - with Paris Saint-Germain handed the Ligue 1 title - after the French government ruled out live sport until September.

- TEAMtalk media