RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner could be the centre of a transfer tussle next summer between Spanish giants Real Madrid and Liverpool. The Reds have a long-standing interest in the young striker while Real have entered the race recently after Werner’s comments on his future.

The Germany international has been in cracking form both for his club and country and has started very brightly this season for Leipzig. Having scored 21 goals last season for the Bundesliga side, Werner has already found the back of the net four times this year.

What set the transfer rumors buzzing is the recent interview in the German press where the youngster voiced his ambition of playing at a ‘big club’. Werner believes that there are very few clubs in the world that fall under this category picking Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain and Liverpool from England in his list – apart from others.

Werner is contracted to RB Leipzig until 2020 but will not be averse when one of these top clubs come knocking.

“In Spain, there are a maximum of three clubs with Barca, Real and Atletico Madrid,” Werner told Bild (h/t goal.com).

“In England, there are a few more: Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.”

Spanish media was quick to pick the news and Don Balon (h/t Daily Star) reports that Real Madrid are alert to the situation and would be rivalling Liverpool for the hitman’s signature. This is an interesting development in this matter as the Reds have been tracking Werner for a long time. RB Leipzig is not new to facing Liverpool’s interest as they earlier agreed to a deal for Naby Keita.

The midfielder has signed a future deal where he will join the club next year. With the lines of communication open, Liverpool can take advantage in Werner’s pursuit and beat their rivals.

It will not just be Real Madrid who Liverpool will have to overcome, as German giants Bayern Munich could also enter the fray. The Bavarians are known to disintegrate their rival teams – Jurgen Klopp would know this much better from his time at Borussia Dortmund. They could decide to go after Werner and break Leipzig’s team structure.

All these point to an interesting battle for Werner’s signature although I feel Liverpool have a slight advantage.