Naby Keita, Sadio Mane Encourage Timo Werner to Join Liverpool Amid Exit Rumours

Liverpool pair Naby Keita and Sadio Mane both think RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner would be a fine addition to the Reds squad. 

The Germany international has emerged as one of the standout forwards in the Bundesliga in recent seasons and has understandably been linked with a number of high-profile clubs, including Liverpool.

Speaking to Sport Bild (h/t Stephan Uersfeld of ESPN FC), Keita, who is a former team-mate of Werner's, said he would encourage the striker to move to Anfield if he is looking for a transfer in the summer.

"We played really well together at Leipzig, and he was one of my best mates," said Keita, who made the switch from Leipzig to Liverpool last summer. "It's clear: Should he move, then I ask Timo to join us here at Liverpool."

In the same interview, Mane said he was a fan of the striker and advised Werner to follow the same path as Keita.

"I'd advise him to join Liverpool," said the Senegal international. "I like his style of play. Very forceful, good finish, always giving it 100 per cent. If he wants to join us, we'd welcome him to our team."

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Mane went on to say that he watched a lot of Leipzig games last season after it was confirmed Keita would be moving to Liverpool. According to the Reds winger, "Timo stood out" for the team.

Per Scouted Football, during his time in the Bundesliga the striker has showcased goalscoring instincts:

With that in mind, as relayed by Uersfeld, Werner has unsurprisingly been linked with a move to German champions Bayern Munich. He's set to make a decision on his future soon, with his current deal at Leipzig poised to expire at the end of the 2019-20 season.

According to Bild (h/t Metro), the Merseyside outfit will try to sign the forward in the summer should he reject an extension and the striker may potentially be available for a cut-price £36 million.

If any side were able to secure Werner for that kind of money it would be a coup. While Werner, who has 11 goals in the Bundesliga this season, is already established as a high-class goalscorer, at the age of 22 he still has a lot of developing to do.

He has a big call to make in the coming months, and his team-mate Yussuf Poulsen says it's a tough predicament for the player:

Given his energy, versatility and finishing skills, a move to Liverpool would make sense for Werner. 

Still, given his contract situation, talent and age, Werner's signature is set to be one of the most coveted of the summer, for both Leipzig and a number of other high-profile European clubs.