Consistent phone calls from Frank Lampard helped convince Timo Werner to agree to a move to Chelsea, according to an RB Leipzig expert.
The Blues appear to have won the race for Werner, with the player last week agreeing to move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from other clubs including Liverpool.
It was news that sent shockwaves through the transfer market, signalling the Blues' intent to spend money again after sitting out last summer with a transfer ban.
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, German football reporter Guido Schäfer revealed that Werner had been in regular contact with Frank Lampard and was swayed by the Chelsea boss' persistence.
He said: "It’s a surprise that Werner said ‘yes’ to Chelsea but also, it’s a very good deal for both the player and for Chelsea.
"Chelsea was able to pay the fee and a great advantage for Chelsea was that they said to Timo, ‘we want you and we love you’.
"I heard from Timo that Frank Lampard called him nearly every day for the last few weeks and Timo is a player who needs the love from the club. Every player needs love, but especially Timo Werner."
Whilst Werner has a release clause in his contract, Schäfer says the fee is likely to be less than many expect.
He also explained that the striker's chance of regular football at the Blues could well see him become linked with other European giants sooner rather than later.
He said: "It’s not €60m - I had contact with a man who is very near this deal and he said it is €50m. And from this €50m, RB Leipzig has to pay, I think, 10 per cent to Stuttgart, his former club.
"But Timo called me after I congratulated him by SMS and said, ‘it’s the right decision’. Also, his agent Karl-Heinz Förster said it is the right club.
"He is perfect for Liverpool - that is still my opinion - but the forwards are all world-class and perhaps Timo also thought, ‘I’m visiting the bench sometimes in Liverpool’.
"At Chelsea, he is the one and only and will play every match.
"Two years at Chelsea and then it is possible to make the next step - this now is the right step for his career but when he brings a good performance then he can make the next step to a world-class club like Liverpool, Real Madrid or Barca.
"I’m sure it’s not the last club for Werner but he might reach a title with Chelsea."
