Premier League clubs interested in signing Timo Werner have been dealt a blow amid reports that Real Madrid are considering a move to sign the RB Leipzig forward in January.
Werner is a transfer target for several Premier League clubs after struggling for regular first-team football at Leipzig this season, with the former Chelsea forward having featured for just 204 minutes in the Bundesliga.
The summer signings of Lois Openda, Benjamin Sesko and Xavi Simons have reduced Werner’s role and West Ham, Fulham and Crystal Palace are reportedly among the clubs chasing a loan deal in the new year.
However, Spanish publication Sport are reporting that Real Madrid could now enter the race. The La Liga giants are assessing the market ahead of the winter, amid Vinicius Junior’s fitness concerns.
The winger has been struggling with a thigh issue for much of the campaign and hobbled off during Brazil’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Colombia last week.
Werner’s ability to operate across the forward line could appeal to Real Madrid, who also saw Karim Benzema depart for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad last summer.
The arrival of Werner would provide competition and depth across the frontline for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who are second in the La Liga table, behind shock leaders Girona.
Werner is keen to secure regular minutes as he looks to cement a place in the Germany squad for next summer’s home European Championship. The 27-year-old has scored 24 goals in 57 games for the national side, but was not included by Julian Nagelsmann for November’s international break.