Former Premier League defender Alan Hutton has backed Liverpool to pursue Chelsea forward Timo Werner as a replacement for Sadio Mane.
The lowdown: Long-standing interest
Prior to a £45million switch from RB Leipzig to Chelsea in 2020 (Sky Sports), Werner was extensively linked with a move to Anfield and it had at one stage appeared to be nailed on.
Since arriving in England the 26-year-old hitman has struggled to live up to his billing having scored 93 times in 158 appearances for Leipzig. However, the pacey German has still directly contributed to 44 goals in 89 outings for the London club despite a well-documented major drop-off in form.
As the Reds regroup following the departure of Mane to Bayern Munich, a recent report has suggested that Jurgen Klopp could rekindle his admiration for Werner and are eyeing a 'shock' move - with one pundit backing how he could fit in at Liverpool.
The Latest: Hutton reacts...
Speaking to Football Insider, Hutton, who works as a commentator for BBC Radio 5 Live claimed that Liverpool would be able to get the best out of the 53-cap Germany star.
He said: “I think Werner can bring something with his pace and his trickery. I think he could fit into the system. I think if you look at the way Liverpool have played over the years Klopp has been there, he likes that type of winger coming in from the side of the pitch and I think that’s where he’s better.
“I don’t think Werner’s an out and out number nine to me, I think he misses too many opportunities but he’s a problem out on the wing, he’s a problem for defenders, the way Mane was and obviously with him leaving there’s possibly room.
“I’d be very surprised if Chelsea just let him go. With Lukaku leaving they won’t want to leave themselves short so I can’t see it happening.”
The verdict: At the right price
Although the double capture of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez from Portugal means Klopp is still blessed with an embarrassment of riches in the attacking department, Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi have also both left this summer and therefore the squad is one down in terms of frontline options.
Clearly a one-time top target for the recruitment team at Anfield, there is certainly a level of fascination with what Werner has to offer and at the right price, a move would make an abundance of sense for all parties as the £272,000-per-week man described as being 'Michael Owen-like' in his style by Tony Cascarino looks to recapture his best Bundesliga form that earned the big-money switch.
Last season the versatile frontman scored 11 times and provided six assists whilst playing across the frontline, numbers that Klopp would no doubt be confident of improving should this somewhat surprising move become a reality.
Despite the exit of Romelu Lukaku at Chelsea, strong links with Raheem Sterling and Raphinha mean that a departure for Werner could remain a possibility and as such, Julian Ward and FSG should remain attentive to the situation.