RB Leipzig CEO: No Bayern Munich Talks About Timo Werner, Drops Liverpool Hint

RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has said the club have yet to be approached by Bayern Munich regarding a possible transfer involving the team's star striker, Timo Werner, and the player may even prefer a switch to Liverpool, Paris-Saint Germain or Borussia Dortmund.

The Germany international has been the subject of much speculation this season and has just one year remaining on his contract with Leipzig.

Mintzlaff was asked about a potential Bayern approach, and he said Leipzig haven't heard anything from the Munich giants and that the club haven't given up hope of Werner staying, per Sport Bild (h/t James Westwood of Goal).

"We have not talked to Bayern about Werner yet," he said. "It was important for us what Werner wants. It was legitimate for a young player like Werner to spend time deciding on his future. Maybe Timo will tell us after the Cup final: 'Come on, I'll extend that by two more years'."

Per Sky Sports (h/t Mirror's Matt Maltby), he added Werner may prefer other clubs to the Bavarians: "Maybe he doesn’t even want to go to Munich. Maybe he would rather join (Thomas) Tuchel in Paris, (Jurgen) Klopp at Liverpool or (Lucien) Favre at Dortmund."

Leipzig have ensured UEFA Champions League qualification for the 2019-20 season, and since the winter break they have arguably been the best team in the Bundesliga.

Their 0-0 draw with Bayern on Saturday continued their remarkable unbeaten run—the last time they were defeated in any competition was against title-chasing Borussia Dortmund on January 19.

They could yet win silverware, too, as they will meet Bayern in the DFB-Pokal final on 25 May.

Werner's goals have been crucial to their performances, as he's netted 16 times in the German top flight this season. The striker recently reached a half-century of strikes for his side:

Earlier this season, the Bundesliga Twitter account commented on Werner's ability to net different types of goals:

While Bayern are in a strong position to be crowned champions again this season—they go into the final weekend two points clear of Borussia Dortmund—it's anticipated the club will undergo a significant rebuild in the summer.

Already it's been confirmed winger Franck Ribery will leave, while Bayern have also secured young defenders for next season in the form of Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard.

Robert Lewandowski remains one of the most lethal goalscorers in European football, but given he's now 30 years old, it wouldn't be a shock to see Bayern move for a younger option in the form of 23-year-old Werner.

With just one year left on his contract, the striker would also represent excellent value for money:

Other clubs will be eyeing such a great value signing as well, however.

Liverpool took another step forward during the 2018-19 campaign, contending for the Premier League title until the final matchday. A lack of depth in the attacking third became evident during the final weeks of the season, with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah playing too many minutes and looking exhausted at times as a result. 

Football Whispers' Sam McGuire highlighted the need for another forward:

The Reds value versatility, and Werner has spent time in a wide role this season, even if his best position is as a central striker.

PSG have kept a close eye on the Bundesliga in recent years, signing the likes of Thilo Kehrer, Kevin Trapp and Julian Draxler, as well as adding manager Thomas Tuchel. Star striker Edinson Cavani has shown no signs of slowing down, but El Matador is 32 years old, so the French champions should start looking for a long-term replacement.

Werner has been a tremendous player for Leipzig since arriving from Stuttgart in 2016 and has been important to the side cementing their status as one of Germany's best outfits. Losing him for a knockdown price would be disappointing for Mintzlaff and incoming manager Julian Nagelsmann.

However, Bayern have made a habit of snapping up the best young stars in the Bundesliga, and with little sign of Werner agreeing to an extension with Leipzig, it would be a shock if the forward didn't end up at the Allianz Arena next term.