Leipzig chief: Pandemic may keep Werner from joining Liverpool

RB Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche says highly coveted transfer target Timo Werner could stay put amid the state of uncertainty in football caused by the spread of the coronavirus.

Strongly linked with a move to Liverpool, the Germany star has called it "a good fit," and his current deal features a buyout clause in the region of €55 million that would permit him to leave during the next transfer window.

According to Krosche, all transfers - including Werner's - are now in limbo.

"We can't say how the transfer market will develop. We are starring into a very foggy crystal ball," Krosche told Sport1, per ESPN UK's Stephan Uersfeld. "We don't know how our resources will be and what options other clubs might have."

Last week, German Football League (DFL) chief Christian Seifert hypothesized that at least half the clubs in Germany's top two tiers are at risk of financial decay. Those fears have extended across the continent and into the United Kingdom.

"England has similar problems like us. To bank on clocks running differently there just because they have investors is wrong," Krosche said.

Manchester City and Manchester United have also reportedly been linked with the 24-year-old Werner.

"Investors also have economic constraints," Krosche continued. "The crisis does not only hit our branch but has a worldwide impact. Today, we are not able to gauge if the current numbers (transfer fees) are sustainable in six months."