Timo Werner admits enjoying Real Madrid's interest
Real Madrid are looking enthusiastically at 21 year old Leipzig striker Timo Werner, who says he's happy at the interest.Barcelona-Getafe live: LaLiga Santander matchweek 23
Real Madrid target Timo Werner, the 21 year old Leipzig striker, has once again sent a positive message to the Spanish giants. "I'm happy at Leipzig and when I'm on the pitch I only think about Leipzig. Right now I'm not thinking about Real Madrid or any other club. But of course it makes me happy to read that Real Madrid are interested in me. It would be a lie to say it doesn't interest me..." he said when asked about the situation after Leipzig's 1-1 draw with Monaco on Wednesday night in the Champions League, and printed by newspaper Welt.
Leipzig want to renew Werner
Leipzig are more than aware that their striker is attracting major interest in the market. The youngster scored 27 goals last seaon (21 in the Bundesliga and six with Germany) and there's no shortage of sides knocking at his door. Liverpool appear to be Real Madrid's main competitor.
Leipzig therefore are desperate to protect themselves by renewing the player as soon as possible, as their manager Oliver Mintzlaff said: "We've got a contract with him through to 2020 and he's right at home here. We're playing in the Champions League. So we've offered Timo the chance to continue his development here. We're very relaxed about it all".
Real Madrid want to strengthen up front
Werner is one of Real Madrid's main targets to bolster their attack. Despite selling Mariano and knowing Morata would leave in search of playing time (he went to Chelsea for 80 million euros), Real Madrid didn't sign a number nine for Zidane. The only cover for the position was the return of Borja Mayoral from Wolfsburg.
The lack of goals in the opening rounds of the league, the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo (suspended) and the lack of precision from Bale and Benzema have highlighted Real Madrid's weakness up front. As Zidane himself admitted "Maybe we're lacking a number 9..."
Werner will be main striker for Germany in the World Cup 2018, and according to Transfermarkt he's valued at 25 million euros. Only three footballers of the generation of '96 are valued more highly, Dele Alli (45 million) Sané (35) and Marco Asensio (30). But given the prices swirling around right now, and the shockwaves rippling out from Neymar going for 222 million, Real Madrid can likely expect to pay a fair amount more than 25 million.
