Liverpool could be braced for a transfer battle with Real Madrid over Timo Werner.

The German striker looks set to leave current club Red Bull Leipzig this summer, and has been talking up a potential switch to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp is a keen admirer of Werner's talents, with speculation linking Liverpool to a bid for his services.

However what was previously a seemingly clear run to land Werner could now be under threat from interest from Madrid.

Marca report the Los Blancos have drawn up a three-man striker shortlist as they target new additions this summer, with Werner among them.

Inter Milan hitman Lautaro Martinez and Borussia Dortmund hotshot Erling Haaland are also said to be on Madrid's radar.

Madrid are likely to be priced out of a move for Martinez, who is valued at around the £90m mark by Inter, while Haaland has only just moved to Dortmund.

Werner on the other hand would be available to any clubs willing to meet his reported £51m release clause.

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is looking to bolster his attacking options with 32-year-old Karim Benzema bearing the brunt of striker duties since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure.

A move for Haaland could still be on the cards, given the club's close links with the player's agent Mino Raiola, but they would have to significantly trump the £35m Dortmund paid for the 19-year-old last month.

Werner is keen on a switch to Liverpool, and is seemingly prepared to play second-fiddle initially to the Reds' current front three.

“Liverpool are the best team in the world at the moment, and when you’re linked with that team it makes me very proud,” Werner said earlier this month.

“It’s a pleasure, but I know Liverpool play a lot of good players and I have to improve myself and to learn much more things to get on this level to play there.”

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