Timo Werner told he would not displace Roberto Firmino at Liverpool

Speculation continues to link Werner with a move to Liverpool, but the Red Bull Leipzig star has previously expressed concerns over playing time if he were to complete a switch to Anfield

Timo Werner has been told he should think twice about a move to Liverpool as he will not play ahead of Roberto Firmino.

The German striker, 24, looks set to leave Red Bull Leipzig this summer, with Liverpool, Chelsea and Man Utd among the clubs linked with his signature.

He banged an impressive hat-trick against Mainz on Sunday to remind potential suitors of his talents, and is already believed to have held a meeting with Jurgen Klopp.

But BT Sport pundit Owen Hargreaves feels Werner's goals will not be enough to persuade Klopp to replace current no.9 Firmino, who is regarded as a key component in his Liverpool side.

Asked where Werner's next move should be, Hargreaves said: "Well, he's not going to get past Bobby Firmino, who is one of my favourite players to watch.

"I think that's the thing. Wherever he goes, he has to play. With the way United play right now, I could see him there. They need a number nine.

"Chelsea could be a good fit, I just think he's perfect for Liverpool in a way, but he's not guaranteed to start.

"If he's happy rotating in the front three then yes, he'd be a great fit for Jurgen Klopp.

"He works hard, he's a good goal-scorer, he's a good team-mate, all those things they need, but he's not going to play ahead of Roberto Firmino, I just don't see that. He's too good in that team."

Werner has previously admitted his concerns over playing time are a big factor in his decision over a transfer.

His goals record speaks highly enough though, with his trio at the weekend taking his tally for Leipzig to 30 this season.

Firmino by contrast has netted just 11 times for Liverpool throughout the campaign.

However whilst the Brazilian's strike partners Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane often take the plaudits for Liverpool, it is Firmino who is seen as the crucial link who webs his teams attacks together.

Werner on the other hand is a more old-fashioned, direct centre-forward, who uses his pace to get in behind the defence and on the scoresheet himself.

Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann is also sceptical over where Werner would fit into Klopp's system, and feels he boasts completely different qualities to Firmino.

"Timo Werner is not that type of player," Hamann told Sky Sports. "His biggest asset by far is his pace. And if I watch games now, even at Anfield, with Liverpool being so superior to most teams, all the teams sit back.

"I think the way they are set up you need almost a Teddy Sheringham-type player like Firmino is because he links things up, he’s not really one who goes in behind the back four. He likes to come short and bring Salah and Mane into play.

"So I just wouldn’t know where to play him [Werner]."

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