Man Utd make shock approach for Chelsea flop Werner

Tom Weber

Updated: 27 Nov 2023 20:23 GMT
3 min read

Manchester United have inquired about Timo Werner, according to German media.

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We are witnessing the beginning of one of the most unexpected transfer sagas of the January transfer window - and it's not even December yet. When the campaign started, few would have expected that Timo Werner would be linked with Real Madrid and Manchester United come the end of the year, but here we are.

The German returned to RB Leipzig in 2022 for just €20 million, leaving Chelsea after an unsuccessful couple of years following his €53m transfer to Stamford Bridge. Werner never came to grips with the hustle and bustle of London and the intense media scrutiny that came with playing for the Blues, preferring the more familial environment of Leipzig.

However, the 27-year-old has seen his role with the Red Bulls diminish dramatically following the big-money summer arrivals of Lois Openda and Benjamin Sesko. Now no more than a rotation player, Werner is said to be unhappy with his situation and this has given rise to some spectacular transfer links.

The transfer saga that shouldn't be one

The likes of Fulham and West Ham have been said to be keen on bringing Werner back to the Premier League, while sensational reports in Spain have claimed that he could be a short-term loan replacement for the injured Vinicius Jr.

Now, Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg reports that the German is on Man Utd's shortlist for the January window. The Red Devils have already inquired about his availability, though no formal negotiations have begun at this early stage.

Plettenberg insists that this story will be one to watch in the coming weeks, but acknowledges that Werner has no intention to move at this stage (and that there is nothing to the Madrid links). This echoes a recent BILD report which asserted that the forward, despite the interest, is not giving a Leipzig departure any thought as he is intent on winning back his place in Marco Rose's side.

However, if he does not achieve this in Leizpig's final five games before the winter break, there is a realistic chance that he could depart. Could he really be on his way to Old Trafford? Only time will tell.