RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann had opened the door to coaching Barcelona one day, while also revealing he turned down Borussia Dortmund and casting doubt on a January move for Erling Braut Haaland.

The 32-year-old sat down with ZDF (h/t Goal's Robin Bairner) for a lengthy interview. When asked about Barcelona, he said he previously made it clear the club and city would intrigue him: "I've said many times: Barcelona is a beautiful city, a beautiful club. But they are not the only club that is attractive."

The former Hoffenheim boss also discussed turning down Dortmund, explaining the timing wasn't right:

"It’s true there was interest there. In football, timing and fit is always the key, and it just did not fit, so I didn’t go there.

"The time did not fit and BVB did not want to wait. I was at Hoffenheim under contract, there was a clause―I could only leave in 2019. When that clause took effect, there was no position free in Dortmund.

"I had very good talks with Leipzig. I felt that the club really wanted me."

Nagelsmann is among the top young coaches in the sport and joined Leipzig in the summer after an impressive stint with Hoffenheim.

The Red Bulls currently sit in second place in the Bundesliga, a single point behind Borussia Monchengladbach. They have scored more goals than any team in the division and are winners of five straight. The last win came against his old club Hoffenheim:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ8jOVvXI-I

Dortmund sit four points behind Leipzig, but per Bairner, their coach Lucien Favre is under some pressure due to their inconsistency this season.

Bayern Munich sit in seventh place after a poor start to the season, and they have already parted ways with their coach Niko Kovac.

Nagelsmann was also asked about Red Bull Salzburg sensation Haaland, who has been linked with a January move to several top clubs.

Salzburg is a sister club to Leipzig, and more than a dozen players have made the move from Austria to Germany the last few seasons, but for now there are no indications the Norwegian will follow suit: "Of course I would take him. He is a very good striker. He is physically very good, has a very good presence, he is also capable of not only scoring goals but setting them up. Unfortunately, we have nothing to announce."

When asked if a January deal will happen, he said: "I would not comment on that if that were the case. But I don't think so."

Sports writer Kaustubh Pandey believes Leipzig would be the ideal destination for the forward:

Leipzig will be the best place for Haaland.

The continuity in systems is so evident. Marsch and Nagelsmann have similar styles and so do Leipzig and Salzburg. That continuity helps massively in a player's development. Kudos to Haaland, if he takes this mature decision.

— Kaustubh Pandey (@Kaus_Pandey17) December 8, 2019

Like Haaland, Nagelsmann has been linked with moves to other top clubs. Football.london's Josh Challies reported on Arsenal's interest, and per Adrian Kajumba of the Daily Mail, Manchester United are keeping an eye on him as well.

RB Leipzig director Markus Krosche has praised Manchester United transfer target Erling Haaland and suggested the Bundesliga club may be contemplating a summer move for the Red Bull Salzburg ace.

Krosche discussed Haaland's performances this season in an interview with Bild (Goal's Sam France) and hinted at Leipzig's potential interest: "The boy is a very good player. Both in the league and in the Champions League, he does an exceptionally good job. Of course, we are already looking around for the summer."

France noted the Norwegian striker is a January target for the Red Devils, so competition could be fierce for the 19-year-old's signature.

Should Haaland move to Leipzig, it wouldn't come as a surprise. Both clubs are owned by Red Bull, and according to France, 17 players have moved from Austria to Germany since 2011.

Hannes Wolf, Amadou Haidara, Konrad Laimer, Naby Keita and Dayot Upamecano are among the players who rose to prominence in Salzburg before developing further in Leipzig. Few of Salzburg's top prospects don't end up in Germany, with Sadio Mane the most notable example—he went to Southampton instead. 

Haaland may be the team's most prized asset yet. He is having an incredible season in front of goal:

Haaland this season 😯👏

⚽️2⃣6⃣
👕1⃣8⃣#UCL | @RedBullSalzburg pic.twitter.com/Sin5JFgG6U

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) November 20, 2019

He's talented enough to go directly from Salzburg to one of Europe's top clubs, and his father, former Leeds United and Manchester City defender Alf-Inge Haaland, told Sport Bild (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC) the Premier League is in his future. He added the timing will have to be ideal, however, as it's a difficult competition.

According to the German outlet (h/t Sport Witness' Naveen Ullal), Arsenal are also keen on the youngster:

Sport Bild: Arsenal as interested as Manchester United in Haaland https://t.co/VSBDOsXpe7 #AFC #MUFC pic.twitter.com/XmUAESQlFr

— Naveen Ullal (@UllalIBT) November 20, 2019

Per the London Evening Standard's James Robson, Haaland already carries an £85 million price tag:

Haaland may cost United £85m in January #mufc https://t.co/A8Fp8mXvcH

— James Robson (@jamesalanrobson) November 19, 2019

That price could be significantly lower for Leipzig because of the two clubs being part of the Red Bull family. The Bundesliga outfit is the company's flagship club, and Red Bull will likely be determined not to let their most notable star yet leave without playing on their biggest stage.

Haaland would fill a big need for Leipzig in case Timo Werner leaves, and the Germany international has been strongly linked with a transfer to United or Liverpool, per Bild (h/t Manchester Evening News' Marcus Banks).

RB Leipzig have no intention of selling star forward Timo Werner, amid persistent rumours linking the Germany international with Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

Sporting director Markus Krosche told Bild (h/t Manchester Evening News' Marcus Banks) the 23-year-old only just extended his contract, and Leipzig don't plan on selling: "Timo just extended his contract with us recently, and we're not thinking about letting him go at all."

Per Kicker (h/t Banks), the contract includes a £27 release clause.

Werner made the surprise decision to extend his contract in August amid persistent rumours he was set to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2020. His existing deal would have expired, and like Robert Lewandowski, most assumed the forward would move to Bavaria on a free transfer.

Instead, he put pen to paper on a new deal, ensuring his current club will receive compensation if he does move before its expiration. The release clause is relatively low for a player of his caliber, so a transfer at some point in the near future still seems likely.

Werner has been in outstanding form this season:

Timo Werner has been involved in 17 goals in 15 games across all competitions for RB Leipzig this season:

• 15 appearances
• 13 goals
• 4 assists

Excellence. pic.twitter.com/av3OjA2wpp

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) November 2, 2019

A modern striker with a versatile skill set, Werner has been among the best forwards in Germany for years. He joined Leipzig from Stuttgart in 2016 and has bagged double-digit Bundesliga goals for the Red Bulls in every season since.

The Germany international is at his best in the open space, using his athleticism, vision and high football IQ to pop up in the right places at the right time.

Last year's Bundesliga highlight reel shows off the different ways Werner can find the back of the net:

On top of his scoring ability, Werner is a solid passer as well. He has recorded seven assists in consecutive Bundesliga campaigns.

His modern style would make him a fantastic fit at Liverpool, where Jurgen Klopp uses many of the same principles Julian Nagelsmann uses at Leipzig. The Reds have been linked with Werner more than any other English club, but the United rumours have come on strong of late.

Per Banks, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear the Red Devils will invest in a forward, and their need at the position is far greater than Liverpool's.

The £27 million release clause means a transfer could be relatively easy to complete, despite Leipzig's insistence they have no interest in selling.

RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner has said he would be open to a transfer abroad in the future after agreeing an extension with the Bundesliga side.

The Germany striker has been linked with a move away from Leipzig in recent months, with his previous contract poised to expire at the end of the current campaign. However, he recently agreed fresh terms until 2023 in a huge boost to Julian Nagelsmann's side.

Speaking to Sport Buzzer (h/t Peter Lynch of Goal), Werner said he's committed to Leipzig, but wouldn't rule out a switch overseas further down the line.

"I don't exclude anything [regarding a move abroad in the future]," he said. "...I am and remain a player of RB Leipzig."

Per Lynch, a number of European football's biggest clubs have been credited with an interest in Werner, including Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are also said to be admirers of the striker.

News that an extension had been struck came on Saturday ahead of Leipzig's 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Per BT Sport, Werner capped off a memorable day with the opening goal:

1.46pm: New four-year deal announced. ✍️
2.42pm: Open scoring for RB Leipzig. ⚽️

A true poacher's finish from Timo Werner! pic.twitter.com/IKfApv5hWQ

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 25, 2019

With his searing speed and composed finishing ability, Werner has developed into one of the best centre-forwards in Germany, so it's not a shock to see high-profile clubs linked to the 23-year-old.

After sorting his future for the time being, the next challenge for Werner will be taking his game on to the next level. In the same interview, the German cited Bayern's Robert Lewandowski as someone he would like to emulate:

"I want and have to improve. At the age of 22, 23 he [Lewandowski] was not as far as he is now. Robert is a fantastic player. And he always stayed hungry. 

"If he scores three goals after 85 minutes he doesn't then stop to receive the adulation. He goes on and wants to score a fourth. This type of attitude is one-of-a-kind and it's what I want to be like."

Per WhoScored.com, while Werner has been the Bayern star's biggest competitor in the Bundesliga goalscoring stakes in recent years, there's still a significant gap between the duo:

Timo Werner: Only Robert Lewandowski (86) has scored more goals than Werner (52) since the start of the 2016/17 Bundesliga season

For more player stats -- https://t.co/auDS2O3C8V pic.twitter.com/QSEjnGLRj8

— WhoScored (@WhoScored) August 27, 2019

Lewandowski has enjoyed an exceptional start to the season. A hat-trick in Sunday's 3-0 win over Schalke took the 31-year-old to five goals in two games in the German top flight:

THREE goals for Robert Lewandowski!

He's making a habit of this.pic.twitter.com/NCJSNtMUgR

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 27, 2019

Werner is not the same kind of player as the Bayern No. 9 and scores different kinds of goals. However, if he is to be as productive as the Poland star one day, he needs to refine his decision-making and ruthlessness when chances do come his way.

With two strikes in his first two games of the season, Werner has enjoyed a solid start to the campaign. Alongside Dortmund, Leipzig are expected to be one of Bayern's major challengers for the title, and Werner will be a key part of that effort.

RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann has said he wants to keep Timo Werner at the club despite reports he intends to see out the last year of his contract before a possible free transfer to Bayern Munich in 2020.

Nagelsmann has taken over as Leipzig coach after three-and-a-half years at the helm of Hoffenheim, and it would be considered a coup if he could convince Werner to stay at the Red Bull Arena.

Werner scored on Sunday as Leipzig opened their Bundesliga campaign with a 4-0 win at Union Berlin.

Nagelsmann spoke at a press conference after the result and said: "Of course we want to keep him, he is an important, good player and in my head he is my player. He will know for himself what is most important for his career."

Werner was said to have indicated in April that he didn't want to sign another contract at Leipzig, and Bild (h/t Goal's Ronan Murphy) recently reported the forward planned to honour that intent:

Timo Werner will wind down his contract and leave RB Leipzig on a free transfer next summer, according to Bild. Bayern Munich is his likely destination. #RBL #FCBayern

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 18, 2019

Leipzig sporting director Markus Krosche also addressed reporters and said Leipzig "did everything" in their attempts to convince the player to stay, per Goal:

"There's nothing to say about this. He's with us - we've been saying the same thing for weeks because that is the case. There's definitely going to be a decision in the coming days, Timo Werner and his advisor want that too.

"That's Timo's decision, we did everything as a club and we gave him all the appreciation we can give as a club.

"He's a player in this squad, and we've seen today [vs Union Berlin] how much he can help us achieve our goals."

Werner, 23, scored 19 goals in 37 appearances for Leipzig last term, his worst return for the club since joining from Stuttgart in 2016. He netted 21 goals in each of the two previous campaigns and would be a difficult figure to replace, particularly if they don't receive a fee for his departure.

German football podcaster James Thorogood recently predicted Werner will win the Bundesliga's top-scorer award in 2019-20:

Champion: Borussia Dortmund
Top 4: Dortmund, Bayern, Leipzig & Leverkusen
Top goalscorer: Timo Werner
Most assists: Jadon Sancho
Surprise package: Freiburg
Best transfer: Kerem Demirbay https://t.co/VGvzh8NDqm

— James Thorogood (@JMThorogood) August 6, 2019

The stars appear like they could align for Bayern, too, considering star striker Robert Lewandowski will turn 32 in August 2020, at which point he'll have less than one year remaining on his contract.

That would give Werner at least one season to play alongside Lewandowski before possibly taking over his mantle, though there's no indication Die Roten see him as worthy of that position.

Murphy cited previous reports indicating how much Bayern were willing to pay for the striker this summer:

Bayern Munich are not willing to match RB Leipzig’s asking price of €40m for Timo Werner, and are only willing to pay up to €25m, according to Bild. #FCBayern #RBL

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 15, 2019

Werner has often taken up positions on the wing for club and country, with some arguing the attacker's pace is better utilised on the flanks.

He will be free to sign a pre-contract with non-German clubs as of January, though Nagelsmann's comments appear to suggest he retains hope the forward will extend his stay at Leipzig.

RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has said the club have yet to be approached by Bayern Munich regarding a possible transfer involving the team's star striker, Timo Werner, and the player may even prefer a switch to Liverpool, Paris-Saint Germain or Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international has been the subject of much speculation this season and has just one year remaining on his contract with Leipzig.

Mintzlaff was asked about a potential Bayern approach, and he said Leipzig haven't heard anything from the Munich giants and that the club haven't given up hope of Werner staying, per Sport Bild (h/t James Westwood of Goal).

"We have not talked to Bayern about Werner yet," he said. "It was important for us what Werner wants. It was legitimate for a young player like Werner to spend time deciding on his future. Maybe Timo will tell us after the Cup final: 'Come on, I'll extend that by two more years'."

Per Sky Sports (h/t Mirror's Matt Maltby), he added Werner may prefer other clubs to the Bavarians: "Maybe he doesn’t even want to go to Munich. Maybe he would rather join (Thomas) Tuchel in Paris, (Jurgen) Klopp at Liverpool or (Lucien) Favre at Dortmund."

Leipzig have ensured UEFA Champions League qualification for the 2019-20 season, and since the winter break they have arguably been the best team in the Bundesliga.

Their 0-0 draw with Bayern on Saturday continued their remarkable unbeaten run—the last time they were defeated in any competition was against title-chasing Borussia Dortmund on January 19.

They could yet win silverware, too, as they will meet Bayern in the DFB-Pokal final on 25 May.

Werner's goals have been crucial to their performances, as he's netted 16 times in the German top flight this season. The striker recently reached a half-century of strikes for his side:

Timo Werner has now scored 50 goals for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.

And he's provided 19 assists alongside them. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/TyIU84zc0R

— Squawka (@Squawka) May 3, 2019

Earlier this season, the Bundesliga Twitter account commented on Werner's ability to net different types of goals:

Determination 👊
Genius 🧠

Timo Werner is both kinds of striker 👥 pic.twitter.com/HSgVEAFsQh

— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) November 8, 2018

While Bayern are in a strong position to be crowned champions again this season—they go into the final weekend two points clear of Borussia Dortmund—it's anticipated the club will undergo a significant rebuild in the summer.

Already it's been confirmed winger Franck Ribery will leave, while Bayern have also secured young defenders for next season in the form of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard.

Robert Lewandowski remains one of the most lethal goalscorers in European football, but given he's now 30 years old, it wouldn't be a shock to see Bayern move for a younger option in the form of 23-year-old Werner.

With just one year left on his contract, the striker would also represent excellent value for money:

Most expensive players on the transfer market per club, top ranked @Bundesliga_DE teams. Data for all clubs in last @CIES_Football Weekly Post at https://t.co/IzUgMP8Tm3 #Sancho #Süle #Werner #NDicka #Pléa #Rashica pic.twitter.com/26IG4w9iLI

— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) April 3, 2019

Other clubs will be eyeing such a great value signing as well, however.

Liverpool took another step forward during the 2018-19 campaign, contending for the Premier League title until the final matchday. A lack of depth in the attacking third became evident during the final weeks of the season, with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah playing too many minutes and looking exhausted at times as a result. 

Football Whispers' Sam McGuire highlighted the need for another forward:

Liverpool need to add an attacker to their squad this summer. I took a look at Salah and Mané's numbers before their arrivals to help identify seven possible targets. https://t.co/VUnY5mn55K

— Sam McGuire (@SamMcGuire90) May 10, 2019

The Reds value versatility, and Werner has spent time in a wide role this season, even if his best position is as a central striker.

PSG have kept a close eye on the Bundesliga in recent years, signing the likes of Thilo Kehrer, Kevin Trapp and Julian Draxler, as well as adding manager Thomas Tuchel. Star striker Edinson Cavani has shown no signs of slowing down, but El Matador is 32 years old, so the French champions should start looking for a long-term replacement.

Werner has been a tremendous player for Leipzig since arriving from Stuttgart in 2016 and has been important to the side cementing their status as one of Germany's best outfits. Losing him for a knockdown price would be disappointing for Mintzlaff and incoming manager Julian Nagelsmann.

However, Bayern have made a habit of snapping up the best young stars in the Bundesliga, and with little sign of Werner agreeing to an extension with Leipzig, it would be a shock if the forward didn't end up at the Allianz Arena next term.

Timo Werner has told RB Leipzig he does not want to sign a new contract with the club, according to CEO Oliver Mintzlaff.

Goal's Ronan Murphy relayed his comments to Sky Germany and noted the transfer speculation surrounding Werner:

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says Timo Werner will not sign a new contract, telling Sky Germany: "We want to extend it with him, but he signaled that he would rather not extend it." He has been linked with both Bayern Munich and Liverpool. #RBL #FCBayern #LFC

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) April 14, 2019

In March, the Mirror's Alex Richards reported Liverpool had been in touch with Leipzig regarding Werner, who was said to have agreed personal terms with Bayern.

The 23-year-old is coming up on the final year of his deal with Leipzig, who will have to sell him this summer or risk losing him for free in 2020.

The striker has scored 17 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season, as well as contributing six assists. In each of the last two campaigns, he finished the season on 21 goals.

He's in superb form at the moment, as Squawka Football observed:

Timo Werner's last five games for RB Leipzig in all competitions:

⚽️ vs. Schalke
🅰️🅰️ vs. Hertha BSC
⚽️ vs. Augsburg
⚽️🅰️ vs. Bayer Leverkusen
⚽️ vs. Wolfsburg

Making his mark. pic.twitter.com/9XLwQ5jsNf

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 13, 2019

The German's goal against Bayer Leverkusen was a memorable effort:

What a hit 🔥

Timo Werner with one of the goals of the weekend 👊 pic.twitter.com/VR8IJQwJeE

— GOAL (@goal) April 8, 2019

Liverpool have scored 75 goals in the Premier League this term, but they lack quality alternatives to their forward line. What's more, Daniel Sturridge is out of contract this summer.

As for Bayern, they allowed their only recognised back-up to Robert Lewandowski, Sandro Wagner, to leave the club in January for the Chinese Super League.

Werner is Leipzig's most valuable player, according to the International Centre for Sports Studies:

Most expensive players on the transfer market per club, top ranked @Bundesliga_DE teams. Data for all clubs in last @CIES_Football Weekly Post at https://t.co/IzUgMP8Tm3 #Sancho #Süle #Werner #NDicka #Pléa #Rashica pic.twitter.com/26IG4w9iLI

— CIES Football Obs (@CIES_Football) April 3, 2019

While they'll want him to remain at the club, they can ill afford to lose such a valuable asset for nothing, so a departure this summer seems likely.

He wouldn't necessarily be an automatic starter at either Bayern or Liverpool, though, so he might have to content himself with more of a squad role if he joins either club.

Arsenal fans face a lengthy wait before they see how exciting youngster Emile Smith Rowe fares on loan at RB Leipzig.

The Bundesliga club's manager, Ralf Rangnick, has revealed that he's going to be patient with the 18-year-old, who moved to Leipzig during the January transfer window:

🎙️ #Rangnick on @emilesmithrowe 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿: "In two or three weeks, when he's hopefully able to fully train, we will of course start introducing him into the team."

🔴⚪ #DieRotenBullen #RBLWOB pic.twitter.com/RyQWwffAT8

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) February 5, 2019

Ironically, Smith Rowe, who arrived in Germany with a hip injury, may see a familiar face once he makes it onto the pitch for his new club, according to James Benge of Football.London:

Ralf Ragnick says Emile Smith Rowe will be introduced into RB Leipzig team in "two or three weeks". As I understand it he *could* make his debut against fellow Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson when RB Leipzig play Hoffenheim.

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) February 5, 2019

Arsenal fans will be hopeful Smith Rowe can match Reiss Nelson's initial success in the German top flight. The latter has helped himself to six league goals while making 20 appearances in all competitions for Hoffenheim.

It's proving to be an invaluable learning spell for 19-year-old Nelson, who was introduced to the Gunners first team by Arsene Wenger last season. However, Nelson needed more playing time and the loan move came at the right moment, with Unai Emery succeeding Wenger back in the summer and working to put his own stamp on the north London club.

Smith Rowe's situation is similar to Nelson's and Arsenal supporters are likely to find the wait for his start in Leipzig a frustrating experience, given the promise the teenager has already shown this season.

Emery used cup competitions to get Smith Rowe some first-team experience before his loan move. It was a useful ploy that yielded enticing examples of impish skill and a keen eye for goal.

Smith Rowe scored three times across UEFA Europa League and Carabao Cup action. Contributions like those naturally have Arsenal fans excited about what could come from the club's latest academy graduate.

But Leipzig have made light of the fervour from Gunners supporters surrounding Smith Rowe:

Noise levels of everyday sounds 🙉 pic.twitter.com/tgolSf1uzf

— RB Leipzig English (@RBLeipzig_EN) February 4, 2019

A little patience will be worth it, with Arsenal taking a calculated approach to sending Smith Rowe to Germany until the end of the season. Benge noted in January how Emery considers the player a "building block of the future."

A temporary stay in the Bundesliga makes sense considering the division is fast becoming a proving ground for some of England's brightest young talents. Aside from Nelson, Jadon Sancho has been a major success since leaving Manchester City for Borussia Dortmund.

Sancho has talked up the chances on offer to burgeoning talents:

—20 league games
—Six goals, 10 assists

Dortmund believed—and @Sanchooo10 has delivered 💥 pic.twitter.com/JIJ00Tj6dZ

— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 4, 2019

Arsenal won't want Smith Rowe to get too attached to life in Germany, though. Not when he can become a key part of Emery's first-team setup in the very near future.

The creative department in Emery's squad will need restocking sooner rather than later. Aaron Ramsey is joining Serie A giants Juventus on a free transfer at the end of the season, while Emery has been reluctant to trust natural No. 10 Mesut Ozil too often.

Ozil, who is Arsenal's highest earner, could move on during a summer when goalkeeper Petr Cech is set to retire and striker Danny Welbeck faces being released, per Sami Mokbel of the Daily Mail. 

Mokbel noted how Emery may be given just £45 million to spend on transfers, a situation likely to make the Gunners more reliant on young talents from the academy.

Smith Rowe and Nelson could save Arsenal a fortune by offering Emery replacements for Ramsey and Ozil, as well as alternatives to 30-year-old Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

Yet much will depend on how well Smith Rowe fares in Germany, with Arsenal surely hoping he performs at least as well as Nelson.

RB Leipzig will find it difficult to fend off interest from Bayern Munich in Timo Werner. Yet sporting director and manager Ralf Rangnick still believes his star forward will stay put for the next few seasons.

Speaking to Sky Germany (h/t Charlie Malam of the Daily Express), Rangnick discussed Werner's future amid rumours linking him with a move to the Allianz Arena: "If Bayern are serious, then it will be difficult for us. But they often play with one striker, so I see him staying with us for the next two or three years."

Rangnick's confidence that Werner won't fit in Munich should delight Leipzig fans. The 22-year-old is the creative fulcrum and attacking talisman of Rangnick's team.

Werner, who has also been linked with Premier League leaders Liverpool, has already netted 13 goals and supplied two assists in all competitions this season.

Those performances have encouraged admiring glances from Die Roten. Such encouragement comes from Werner's previously hinting the Bundesliga powerhouse could be his next destination. In December, he told Sky Sports Germany (h/t Goal): "If you play in Germany and want to stay in Germany, there is only one club in question."

Even his team-mates, including fellow forward Yussuf Poulsen, say it's understandable if Werner is considering his future:

Leipzig's Yussuf Poulsen discusses Timo Werner to Bayern Munich, telling Sport1: "He has to figure out for himself whether it is the right time or not. If you're in a position like Timo performing well over many years, when a big come calls, it makes you think." #FCBayern #RBL

— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) January 18, 2019

Werner's contract is up in 2020, prompting Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff to recently tell Kicker (h/t The Independent) the club ideally needs to know the player's decision by the end of this campaign.

It's a tricky decision for Werner, who would likely go from the focal point in Leipzig to just another piece of the puzzle for Bayern.

Rangnick's point about Die Roten's preference for operating with a lone centre-forward is well taken. Bayern still have the prolific Robert Lewandowski to lead the line.

He's 30, but the Poland international knows few equals on the continent when it comes to movement, finishing and aerial power. He's showing no signs of slowing, with 23 goals in all competitions during what's proving to be an exceptional season.

Lewandowski is well-supported by Thomas Mueller, who plays in much the same way to Werner. The 29-year-old Germany international can play on either flank of just off the front.

Those positions suit Werner best and, despite his technical accomplishment, there have to be doubts about his ability to finish consistently and define an attack by himself. In particular, questions will persist about his ability to deliver in big games:

729 - Timo Werner has failed to score in 729 Bundesliga minutes against Borussia Dortmund. Kryptonite. #RBLBVB pic.twitter.com/D8pRD8B7ld

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) January 19, 2019

Bayern may be better off widening their search for an obvious replacement for Lewandowski. Meanwhile, Werner's development would be best served by continuing in a team geared to his talents.

Oliver Mintzlaff, the chief executive for Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, has said star forward Timo Werner will be sold in the summer if he doesn't agree a new contract with the club.

The Germany international is rated as one of the most exciting young forwards in the game, having excelled for Leipzig since joining the club in 2016 from VfB Stuttgart.

Speaking about the player, Mintzlaff said the club need a show of commitment from the 22-year-old or they will look to cash in, per Kicker (h/t The Independent).

"Of course, we have to know at the latest after the end of the season," he said of Werner's deal, which is poised to expire at the end of the 2019-20 campaign.

He continued:

"A club like us cannot afford to go with Timo Werner in a final contract year. But as long as we develop as a club, and of course the Champions League participation would be very helpful, I believe that Werner is still in good hands with us.

"If Timo does not strive for the highest possible salary, then it would be a good investment in his sporting future."

As The Independent noted, Premier League leaders Liverpool have consistently been linked with a move for Werner. 

In addition, the Germany starlet also spoke about a possible move to Bayern earlier this season. "There are other clubs in the picture," he told Sky Sports Germany (h/t Goal). "If you play in Germany and want to stay in Germany, there is only one club in question."

Werner endured a tough 2017-18 season, and despite being tipped for big things at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he faltered under the bright lights of a major tournament.

However, he has responded from that setback well and has enjoyed his most prolific start to a Bundesliga campaign:

11 - Timo #Werner (@RBLeipzig_EN) has scored 11 goals in the first half of this Bundesliga season, breaking his record for the first 17 matchdays from 2016-17 (10). Goalgetter. #RBLSVW

— OptaFranz (@OptaFranz) December 22, 2018

Given his age, his raw speed and his ability in front of goal, it's not a shock Leipzig are keen to keep Werner around for a while yet. It's also no surprise to see teams of the calibre of Liverpool and Bayern linked with him.

Should he go into the summer without agreeing an extension, there's also a chance that Leipzig would have to accept a knockdown fee for his services, which would be a major blow for the German club.

Since their promotion to the top flight, the striker has consistently been the team's most dependable source of goals:

Timo Werner (22) has scored 10 or more goals in each of the last three Bundesliga seasons for RB Leipzig.

2016-17 • 21 goals in 31 games
2017-18 • 13 goals in 32 games
2018-19 • 10 goals in 15 games

🔴⚪️ pic.twitter.com/sReqHkZULR

— SCOUTED (@scoutedftbl) December 16, 2018

For Liverpool or Bayern, a player of Werner's calibre would be a fine signing. While he may still have to work at certain areas of his game—most notably his play with his back to goal—when he has space to surge into, his natural attacking instincts are clear to see.

Having noted there are clubs interested in signing him, the forward may be hesitant about putting pen to paper with Leipzig, as the prospect of a new challenge at a European juggernaut would no doubt be appealing. For his current employers, that will be a big problem.