Report: Chelsea think they have edge over Liverpool in Werner pursuit

The Timo Werner sweepstakes are heating up.

Liverpool have for months been the front-runners to sign Werner, but Chelsea believe they can offer him a greater opportunity to be a star in England.

The Blues are confident they can land the 24-year-old and will make a move for Werner if he indicates he's interested in a move to London, according to ESPN FC's James Olley.

Chelsea think Werner could be tempted by a move to London with the guarantee of regular playing time under manager Frank Lampard. Meanwhile, a transfer to Liverpool would result in tougher competition against the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah.

At Chelsea, Tammy Abraham would be Werner's only real competition for regular playing time.

Chelsea have apparently shifted their focus to Werner as an alternative to their other attacking target, Moussa Dembele, who the Blues reportedly unsuccessfully tried to sign from Lyon in January.

Lyon were unwilling to part with the 23-year-old and placed an £80-million tag on him in an apparent effort to ward off Chelsea.

Though Lyon's asking price is expected to be lower when the next transfer window opens, Chelsea could be set to move on and will consider triggering the £49-million release clause in Werner's contract.

However, Werner has previously said he was "proud" to be linked with Liverpool.

"I know that many good players are at Liverpool. I must improve and learn a lot of things to reach the level to play there," Werner said in February.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp reportedly expressed last week his desire to sign the German international this summer, telling the team's board that Werner would be a perfect fit for the club.

Werner has scored four times since the Bundesliga season restarted earlier in May, including a goal in Monday's 4-2 win over FC Koln to bring his season total to a career-high 25.