Liverpool's pursuit of Timo Werner appears to be getting closer after a top journalist said he would be "surprised" if the German did not sign for the Reds.
James Pearce, formerly of the Liverpool Echo, now writes for The Athletic and was asked about the potential of Werner signing for Jurgen Klopp's men outside the Merseyside club's training ground, Melwood.
"I can see Werner happening," said Pearce. "It's got to the point now where I'd actually be surprised if Timo Werner didn't come to Liverpool."
Since saying this, Pearce has been quick to state that the deal is far from done, replying to someone on Twitter and saying: "It’s not done. Nothing is definite at this stage. LFC haven’t made their move for him yet but I expect them to."
The 23-year-old has been in fine form this campaign for his current club RB Leipzig, netting 21 goals in just 23 Bundesliga appearances, sitting in second in the scorers chart behind Robert Lewandowski, while also registering seven assists.
The German international has also been finding the back of the net regularly in the Champions League scoring four in seven, with the latest coming against Tottenham from the penalty spot in the round of 16.
Due to that form Werner has been attracting the interest of Europe's biggest clubs, with Manchester United and Barcelona also rumoured to be in for him.
However, much like in the Premier League this season it is Liverpool who are ahead of the chasing pack for his signature and with a release clause in his contract, the Reds will not have to play hardball with Leipzig.
The actual figure of that release clause has varied greatly in reports, ranging from £27 million to £52 million which, considering the current market and the forward's ability, seems a no-brainer for Klopp.
The Liverpool boss needs reinforcements for the front three of Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane after it was confirmed that the African Cup of Nations would be moved back to a January tournament.
It had been changed to take place in the summer but now it has moved back the Reds will be without Salah, Mane and Naby Keita for potentially more than a month, should their nations qualify.
The tournament, which is to be held in Cameroon, was moved due to unfavourable weather in the summer.
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