Former Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman has raised question marks over whether RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner will be good enough to break into the Reds’ starting line up if he secures a move to Anfield.

The German international has been repeatedly mentioned as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s side, and while McManaman thinks he is a good player, he doesn’t believe he’d be able to usurp the current front three:

“There’s people like Werner who has been linked with a move to the Premier League and Liverpool, but I do not know if he is ready for that step up yet. He’s young, he’s quick, he’s got an eye for goal, he has played for his country.”

“It would be great if Liverpool could acquire him just to strengthen the squad, he is only going to get better. Has he got the quality to usurp the front three, probably not yet. But he is certainly one for the future.”

McManaman does highlight an important dilemma in Liverpool’s pursuit of Werner. The 24-year-old has a release clause of €60m (£53m) but that is a sizeable figure for someone who may not start every week.

It may be one of the key reasons why the Reds have seemingly pulled back from making an official approach for the German.

Despite Werner’s apparent willingness to make the switch to Merseyside, the club will be mindful that there are other clubs, such as Chelsea and Manchester United, who are also reportedly interested in the player.