Timo Werner transfer: Chelsea now lead the race for RB Leipzig star with Liverpool unwilling to meet asking price

Werner has made his desire to join Jurgen Klopp's side well known, but Liverpool have been dithering over the £50m asking price and some reports suggest they've even pulled out of the race altogether.

That's been music to the ears of Frank Lampard as it means that Chelsea are now in pole position to pinch what would be a huge signing from under Liverpool's noses.

Werner to Liverpool was thought to be close to a done deal for some time, but the coronavirus crisis has seemingly sunk the move, with transfer fees and budgets being cut across the board.

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The Reds are now not willing to meet the £50m release clause in Werner's contract, with what once seemed a bargain for the 24-year-old now seemingly too much for them to pay for a player who wouldn't be guaranteed first team football at Anfield.

Werner has broken the 30-goal barrier for Leipzig this season, and his stats and style of play make him one of the most sought-after targets in Europe, and he's now up for grabs if a team can meet his club's valuation.

Chelsea are now that team, according to the bookmakers, as the Blues are massive odds-on favourites as short as 1/4 to grab the Germany international this summer, pushing Liverpool out to 4/1 having previously been odds-on themselves.