Transfer Talk: United preparing shock move for Chelsea misfit Werner

Chelsea striker Timo Werner is one of Ralf Rangnick’s main targets at Manchester United.  

The German tactician signed his compatriot when he was sporting director at RB Leipzig and remains a big fan of the 25-year-old striker.

Werner has struggled in front of goal since moving to Stamford Bridge for £47.5million in the summer of 2020.

He has found the net 15 times in 64 games, with only seven of those strikes coming in the Premier League.

That is a substantial drop off from the 95 he managed in 159 games for Leipzig during four years with the Bundesliga outfit.

Not that it has put off Rangnick — who also coached Werner during his spell in the Red Bull Arena dugout in 2018-19.

According to Bild, the veteran coach remains a fond admirer.

Interim boss Rangnick will want to implement a high press at Old Trafford during his six months in charge and his successor is also likely to adopt a similar style.

Werner’s pace and work-rate, combined with his knowledge of the new manager's system from his time playing under him, makes him an attractive signing.

Sport report the Blues are willing to part with Werner, though it is not clear how much they would want.

It has been suggested by the Mirror that Rangnick will be given £100m to spend in January alone as the Red Devils try to secure a top-four finish.

In other news

Cesar Azpilicueta is out of contract next summer and the Chelsea skipper is attracting interest from Barcelona, say Marca.

Hee Chan Hwang, currently on loan at Wolves from RB Leipzig, is on Leicester’s shopping list this January, according to Football Insider.

The Mirror believe Burnley defender James Tarkowski and United’s Jesse Lingard will both move to West Ham in January.