Leipzig CEO: Liverpool, Bayern yet to make Werner approach

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says the club has not yet been contacted by Liverpool or Bayern Munich over the services of in-demand German international forward Timo Werner.

"Neither Jurgen Klopp nor (Bayern chairman) Karl-Heinz Rummenigge contacted me," Mintzlaff told General-Anzeiger, per the Evening Standard.

Amid links of a Merseyside move, Werner has not been shy of his fondness for Liverpool, calling them "the best club in the world," and Bayern Munich are reportedly in the market for the 24-year-old forward as a potential long-term replacement for Roberto Lewandowski.

A guiding force behind Leipzig's Bundesliga challenge and spot in the Champions League quarterfinal, Werner has recorded 27 goals in all competitions this year. As such, some of football's biggest sides have been associated with the 29-time capped Die Mannschaft star, though according to Mintzlaff, Leipzig are content to keep Werner in their ranks.

"We are happy that we were able to extend the contract with him until 2023. He played a really strong first half of the season," Mintzlaff added

Whether or not Liverpool and Bayern can afford to spend big for Werner's service is another matter.

Werner's contract is understood to include a €60-million release clause, though there are widespread concerns the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent work stoppage could negatively affect the upcoming summer transfer window.

In March, Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche speculated that Werner could stay put amid the state of uncertainty, saying, "We can't say how the transfer market will develop. We are starring into a very foggy crystal ball."