Phil Thompson has hit out Liverpool's failure to rival Chelsea for the signature of in-demand forward Timo Werner.
The RB Leipzig striker’s prolific record, age, and familiarity with an intense brand of football favoured by Jurgen Klopp made him seem a likely target for the Reds this summer.
A release clause in the region of £50m and the fact that Werner had gone public with his desire to make the move to Anfield also counted in Liverpool’s favour.
However, the financial impact of the coronavirus caused hesitation over a transfer, allowing Chelsea to swoop in and agree a deal with Leipzig.
And Thompson, a European Cup-winning captain during his time with the Reds, believes they may live to regret losing out.
"I think you should always try and improve," he told Sky Sports.
'When you're on the up, when you're playing well, that is when you should look to back it up.
"I would have loved to have seen him come but Liverpool have not done that, they're looking at it and it's probably costing too much.
"Timo Werner will be going, 'Maybe I might not get in there' and maybe [Jurgen] Klopp is thinking, 'We can't afford to have somebody for that price just sitting on the bench'.
"He'll [Werner] be alright for three or four years and I would have took that risk.
"If he wanted to come I think you have to improve your team when you're on top and he would have improved us.”
