Liverpool and Timo Werner is the transfer rumour that just will not go away.
So much so, in fact, that plenty points towards it being more than speculation .
With Mohamed Salah potentially set to miss the beginning of next season through his possible involvement in the Olympic Games , where he could opt to represent Egypt, the Reds are going to have to make plans to compensate for that.
Werner arriving looks like a likely scenario to unfold, with the player having flirted with a move to Anfield on several occasions , and his release clause reportedly relatively low .
With Divock Origi an unconvincing starter and far more suited to coming off the bench, Werner, who has netted 27 times this season in 34 matches across all competitions and has 29 caps for Germany, could be an attraction summer addition if the Reds do make a move.
On the latest Poetry in Motion podcast, Paul Gorst explained: "I wouldn't be shocked if Liverpool made their move at some point.
"It's almost becoming a little bit of an open secret.
"There's a good relationship between the clubs dating back to Naby Keita and Michael Edwards' relationship with Ralf Rangnick [who works for Red Bull's sporting team] is a good one.
"It all points towards a statement signing in the summer and Liverpool do need quality cover in that front three.
"He reminds me of Fernando Torres a little bit, but he plays more off the left.
"I think he's good enough to play across the front - right, left or centre."
Xherdan Shaqiri is ready to depart Anfield this summer having signed from Stoke City for around £13 million in 2018 , meaning another place in the squad will open up.
Takumi Minamino is in line to get more of a chance next season once he has further acclimatised to the English game, though Werner is certainly an option for the Reds to pursue.
