Liverpool have been warned they must keep Sadio Mane out of the clutches of Real Madrid - unless they have got a deal for Timo Werner in the bag.
There has been much speculation that Madrid will swoop for Mane this summer after the Senegal forward's impressive performances for world and European champions Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp's side are believed to be leading the race for RB Leipzig hotshot Timo Werner, who has fired an impressive 21 goals in 25 Bundesliga games this season, plus a further four in the Champions League.
The 24-year-old would no doubt add firepower to Liverpool's frontline if Liverpool fans' fears were realised and Mane were to move to Madrid.
But Reds legend Steve Nicol has warned that Liverpool cannot allow Mane to leave until any move for Werner is signed and sealed.
Asked about the prospect of selling Mane, Nicol said on ESPN FC : "That's only any good if you bring in Timo Werner.
"Unfortunately there aren't many [players like Werner] around.
"What if Werner wants to go elsewhere?
"The way it's being talked about is if it's done. 'Timo Werner says he wants to go, so it's done'.
"Guess what, there was a guy called Kylian Mbappe who told everyone he wanted to go to Real Madrid, he ended up at PSG."
The Reds are also reported to be interested in two other Bundesliga players in Leon Bailey and Denis Zakaria, according to reports.
Jamaica international Bailey can play on either wing and has scored five goals in 14 Bundesliga games for Leverkusen so far this season.
The 22-year-old could provide backup for Mohamed Salah and Mane, but would also be signed with an eye on the future.
Liverpool would face competition for his signature from Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, according to the Daily Express.
They will also have competition in the battle to sign defensive midfielder Zakaria, with United, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund also interested, according to Sky Germany.
