Chelsea offer Bundesliga’s Timo Werner big-money contract

Chelsea have emerged as frontrunners for Timo Werner transfer with a big-money contract offer. [Photo: Courtesy]

Chelsea have emerged as the favourites to land Timo Werner and have offered the German star a big-money contract after Liverpool cooled their interest.

Red Bull Leipzig forward Werner will be allowed to leave this summer as he has a £50m buy-out clause which expires later this month.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has cooled on his interest because of the price tag in the current financial climate.

But that is unlikely to stop Chelsea who will have money to spend this summer despite the coronavirus crisis - and Werner is now in their sights.

It is understood that the Blues are offering a five-year contract worth £200,000-a-week to take the Germany international to Stamford Bridge.

His agent Karlheinz Forster is believed to have held talks with Leipzig and they are now preparing to do a deal this summer.

Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is anxious to strengthen his forward line with both Pedro and Willian out of contract this summer.

Werner, 24, was keen on a move to Anfield but Liverpool are like many Premier League clubs in being reluctant to spend big this summer.

Klopp saw Werner as a perfect fit as he has been a sensation at Red Bull Leipzig and also proved himself on the Champions League stage.

However, Chelsea are now in the market for a player who can play wide in a front three or through the middle which makes him an ideal option.

That would allow him to play with Tammy Abraham but also provide another option for Chelsea rather than their emerging young England centre forward.

Chelsea also want a left back and midfielder with Leicester's Ben Chilwell on their list with Ajax's Nicolas Taglifico and also West Ham's Declan Rice could be a target if they sell N'Golo Kante to Real Madrid.