Timo Werner to Liverpool transfer takes step forward as RB Leipzig boss gives up hopes of keeping star striker

TIMO WERNER’S move to Liverpool is a step closer after his RB Leipzig manager conceded defeat in the fight to keep him.

The striker, 24, is the No 1 target for Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who is understood to have had a virtual meeting with him during lockdown.

Germany international Werner, 24, still has three years left to run on his current deal.

But with his release clause of £52.7million set to expire on June 15, Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann fears the 30-goal hitman is off.

He said: “There is nothing we can do about it. He knows what he has in Leipzig and also what he has with me.

“I show him that — he gets many chances to develop himself.

"I don’t know if it will help him that much if I tell him every day.

“A player has to feel that he can get better. If he doesn’t feel that, it wouldn’t do any good if I kept on telling him to stay here.

“In the end, it is his life, his career, he can decide that. I can’t think of anything new to say to Timo.”

Liverpool owners Fenway Sports Group are still assessing the financial impact of coronavirus on their club.

But they know if they let the June 15 deadline pass, they would have to negotiate a fee with the Bundesliga club — which would see Werner’s price rocket.

Werner scored his 29th goal of the season as RB Leipzig beat Cologne 4-2 on Monday night.