There continues to be speculation surrounding the future of reported Liverpool transfer target Timo Werner.
The Red Bull Leipzig striker has been frequently linked with a move to Anfield this summer, who is believed to have a £52m release clause in his contract.
Liverpool's admiration for Werner is well known - and it remains to be seen whether they will make concrete their interest in the player.
However, the coronavirus lockdown has put a halt to elite football across the UK and Europe, which has complicated transfer related matters.
Mixed messages have emerged from the Leipzig camp regarding the 24-year-old's future with the player himself openly talking about Liverpool 's interest in the past while his club have publicly said they would like to keep hold of him.
But there are now suggestions from Spain that Barcelona and the Reds could be involved in a transfer domino effect which may define the next window.
Fresh reports in Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo claim that Barca have identified Werner as an “alternative” option this summer, should they fail to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan.
Martinez will reportedly cost in excess of €111m (£97m), nearly double that of Werner’s quoted asking price.
The report adds that Barcelona will move in to sign Werner should Inter remain resolute in their asking price for Martinez.
It was reported on Sky Sports that Barcelona will offer two players in a bid to sign Martinez on the cheap, with Nelson Semedo and Carlos Alena believed to be offered in a part-exchange deal.
Martinez is believed to be keen to move to the Nou Camp, and appears to be the first-choice target for Barcelona ahead of Liverpool-linked Werner.
It remains to be seen how it will all unfold - especially given the uncertainty surrounding when the transfer window will open as the world tries to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.
