RB Leipzig hint at openness to sell Timo Werner amid Liverpool links

RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has hinted the club could look to sell Timo Werner if the striker doesn't sign a new contract.

The 22-year-old moved to Leipzig from Stuttgart on a four-year contract in 2016, a deal now heading towards its final year.

Do Liverpool need Timo Werner? Five key things to know…

1. Werner has scored 56 goals in 98 appearances for RB Leipzig and has been compared to Kylian Mbappe by Leroy Sane.

2. Liverpool and Bayern Munich are reportedly monitoring his situation.

3. The Reds' main centre-forward is Roberto Firmino, though Mohamed Salah is sometimes used in this position.

4. Dominic Solanke was sold to Bournemouth in January for around £19m.

5. Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi are the two other senior back-up strikers in Jurgen Klopp's squad.

And although Werner is a vital part of Ralf Rangnick's side, scoring 56 goals in 98 during his time at the club, CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has admitted the club cannot afford to let him go into the final year of his contract.

He told Kicker: "Of course, a club like us cannot afford to let Timo Werner go into the final year of his contract, as we have discussed with him and his advisor, as all parties have the same understanding.”

However, despite links to some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Bayern Munich and Liverpool, Mintzlaff still hopes that Leipzig's development in recent years can help persuade Werner to stay put.

He added: "As long as we develop as an association, and of course the Champions League participation would be very helpful, I believe that Werner is still in good hands with us.”

For his part, Werner has publicly suggested he needs to leave Leipzig to become "world-class”, citing Naby Keita as an example after the Guinean left to join Liverpool in 2017.

What has Klopp said about Liverpool's transfer plans?

Despite the reported interest in Timo Werner, Jurgen Klopp has insisted he will only be bringing new players to the club if circumstances 'dramatically change'.

Prior to the opening of the January transfer window, the Liverpool boss said: "I'm very happy with what I've got and what I have, but how I said, we don't know and that's the only little bit why I keep the door open because if some things happen then we need to have a look.

"Well, if a few more things happen then we need to have a look because there are a monstrous number of games still and it's really important that we can always react.

"But as long as we can react then it's all good, but how I said, if something will dramatically change then we need to have a look, that's all. If nothing happens, then I would say we will not do anything.”

Liverpool next face Wolves in the FA Cup on Monday.