Liverpool boost in Timo Werner pursuit as Inter chief sheds light on future

Liverpool target Timo Werner will definitely not be moving to Inter Milan this summer, confirms the Italian club’s sporting director, who says the player has made up his mind about his future.

The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a departure from RB Leipzig this summer, with Liverpool leading the race for his signature.

Barcelona and Inter have also been linked with the Germany international, but the Serie A side have ruled themselves out of the race through sporting director Piero Ausilio.

‘Timo Werner will not come to Inter,’ Ausilio told Sky Sports. ‘I know his thoughts about his future and we’ll not sign him.

‘I love him as a player but we’ve never started talks to sign him.’

This is another boost for Liverpool in the pursuit for Werner and the Reds know that they can sign the prolific forward if they are willing to stump up his £52.7m release clause.

The striker is reportedly keen on a move to Anfield, but Liverpool must make their move before 15 June as his release clause expires on that date.

Given his 91 goals in 153 games for Leipzig and a contract that runs till 2023, a negotiated fee is liable to be much higher than the current release clause, so it is in Liverpool’s interests to act, if they want to do a deal.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Werner and the club are keen to do the deal, but the economic uncertainty of the coronavirus crisis has hampered things, while his place in the starting XI also remains unconfirmed, with Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino set as the front three currently.

Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Werner and if Liverpool dally, either could look to pounce.

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