Liverpool have been handed a double boost in their rumoured pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner.
The Reds have repeatedly been linked with the German, who is believed to have a £52m release clause in his contract, but are yet to make a move for his services with the Coronavirus pandemic complicating matters and leaving his future in limbo.
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.
Over the weekend, Bleacher Report claimed the striker is having lessons to improve his English and is excited about the prospect of playing in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp 's side aren't the only club interested in Werner's services with Inter Milan also credited should Lautaro Martinez leave the club.
However, in an interview with PassioneInter.com, BILD Head of Football Christian Falk discounted the Italian's interest, revealing talks have already been scheduled with Klopp regarding a possible move.
"Werner won't go to Inter," he said. "There are already meetings scheduled with Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool are the big favourites to buy him in the summer."
Falk also offered an update on the future of ex-Reds star Philippe Coutinho, ruling out a return to Inter Milan for the Brazilian despite Bayern Munich deciding against signing him permanently from Barcelona, with former Mario Gotze identified as a target for the Italians instead.
“No, Bayern won't buy Coutinho," he said. "After struggling both in Germany and Spain, the valuation has decreased, so much so that the basis for the negotiation, now, should be around €60m.
"The biggest problem, however, is that of his wages, which in Barcelona reached €10m per year. Not all clubs can afford similar figures, especially with the Coronavirus crisis.
"For the midfield, however, I can tell you that Mario Gotze could be of interest for Inter.
"His contract with Borussia Dortmund will expire in June, so he can be signed on a free transfer. I'm sure he will be contacted at least once, to probe the ground.
"Gotze, therefore, could be a good alternative."
