RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner is closing in on a big-money move to Chelsea.

The German striker has been courted by Europe's elite this season, with Liverpool one of the clubs knowingly keen on signing the lightning-quick striker.

However, the Reds reportedly pulled out of a deal due to 'financial reasons'. Werner's release clause at Leipzig stands at £49m.

Certain Liverpool fans have questioned the club's stance on Werner, with Jurgen Klopp's side in evident need of high-quality reinforcements for the established front three.

But Reds legend Robbie Fowler is adamant the club have made the right decision, stating that Werner is not at Liverpool's required level right now.

"I stand by this: is Werner up to the standard of Liverpool’s current front three? Not for me," Fowler wrote in his column for the Mirror.

"I’ve also seen the meltdown from some Liverpool fans when they ­realised he’s probably not leaving RB Leipzig for Anfield after all.

"It makes it seem as though he’s a Marco van Basten, a world-class player who would walk into any side.

"For the life of me, I don’t know why. I’ve watched him a fair few times and there are things about his game I like and admire.

"But does he influence games consistently enough? Not for me. Does he match up to the players you are signing him to challenge and replace? Not at Liverpool. Maybe at Chelsea."

Werner in action

It's certainly an intriguing take from Fowler.

In the grand scheme of things, the fee required to sign Werner from Leipzig would eclipse those of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino.

However, in the current market, £49m seems a steal for a player of the German's calibre.

In 30 Bundesliga games this season, Werner has scored 25 goals and assisted another eight, taking his goal contribution tally to 33.

Mane (23), Salah (22) and Firmino (15) are nowhere close to matching the 24-year-old in terms of output.

Firmino, Salah & Mane

But would Werner usurp any of Liverpool's famous three upon arriving? Absolutely not and if the club are keeping an eye on their finances due to the coronavirus pandemic, it perhaps make sense to steer clear.