Liverpool Reportedly Considering Barcelona Star As Plan B For Timo Werner

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may reportedly find a Barcelona star as their plan B if the Timo Werner deal falls apart.

RB Leipzig goal scorer Werner has been generating buzz around Premier League transfer rumors these past few weeks. Liverpool remains frontrunners in signing the German star. However, the Reds are now reportedly considering exiting Barcelona star Ousmane Dembele as possible back-up option in case Werner’s reported £55 million ($67.9 million) price tag will not be negotiable.

According to a report from 90min .com, Liverpool’s decision to take a step back in negotiating for Werner is a “warning” statement. The report further noted that the Premier League giants have set the record straight with the Bundesliga side that they will happily pursue other prospects due to the 24-year-old’s massive release clause.

The situation did not go unnoticed as Liverpool rivals Chelsea are now being mentioned as new suitors of Werner. Teamtalk.com reported that Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has been trying to convince the sensational goal scorer to join the Blues, as Liverpool’s move for the striker stalls. Sources claim that the apparent interest of the Blues for the German striker has been “more intense” than the rumors swirling around in England.

Chelsea’s interest in Werner is reportedly growing these past few months. The club’s manager Frank Lampard is believed to be keen on signing Werner as he projects him to be a central figure for the Blues next season. The team hopes the addition of the youngster could take some weight of Tammy Abraham’s shoulders.

Liverpool on the other hand, are reportedly keeping a close eye on Dembele, a struggling Barca star who is also heavily linked to Juventus and Manchester United.

Mundo Deportivo (via Besoccer.com) reported that although Werner is Liverpool’s primary target, Klopp views Dembele as an immediate plan B in case the club fails to sign Leipzig striker. Klopp is reportedly considering the Barca attacker because his value would be more attainable for the Reds compared to Werner’s at this point, and he could also give a quantum leap to the team’s front. Dembele is expected to be sold for about 42 million euros ($46.6 million).

The 23-year-old has not been able to help Barcelona significantly due to issues with injuries. However, Dembele is still a top prospect for other clubs such Serie A giants Juventus. Premier League contenders Man United are also reportedly preparing another appealing offer for the Frenchman after being linked to one another for weeks.