体坛英语新闻：Leipzig's Werner sending top European clubs into frenzy

BERLIN, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- For quite some time, the future of German international Timo Werner has been the subject of growing speculation. Ahead of the Champions League's last-16 round duel of RB Leipzig against Tottenham this Wednesday, new delicate details came to light.

According to several media reports, the 23-year-old German international is turning his head to the English Premier League and is considering a move to the UK by next summer. Some of the rumors contain a high amount of truthfulness others are meant as humorous interludes.

Last week a tweet of Werner's East German club caused unrest among fans despite the exit clause in the forward's contract running until 2023, allowing him to leave for 55 to 60 million euros after this season.

The Bundesliga title challengers responded to a known transfer rumor troll on Twitter that indicated that Werner was attracting interest from Liverpool, and joked that they "heard" that the German striker was heading to Spurs instead.

"We heard, he is headed towards Tottenham though ...," the tweet initiated by Rasenballsport said.

While a transfer to Tottenham can be excluded, the interest of Liverpool's German coach Juergen Klopp remains seriously.

The 2019 Champions League winner has contacted Werner's agent, taking up brief negotiations.

While reports spoke of a deadline by the end of April, as laid down in Werner's contract, the newest information speaks of a later date. For Leipzig, that means the speculations about Werner might continue until the end of the Bundesliga season in mid-May.

Next to Liverpool, several top European sides are said to be interested in Werner. Behind the scene, reports speak of several coaches of prominent teams to have visited the Stuttgart-born forward to investigate his willingness to join their clubs.

Interest increased after Werner proved over the past three years to address high international standards delivering convincing performances at his club and in the German national team. Tottenham coach Jose Mourinho recently travelled to Germany to witness Leipzig's (and Werner's?) performance when goalless drawing Bayern Munich in the Bavarians arena.

The fact is, Werner is one of the hottest commodities in Europe at the moment. His exit clause makes him a real bargain in the overheated football market.

Werner several times spoke of him being attracted by the Premier League as due to the many top sides a Champions League like feeling is around nearly every weekend.

The among top European sides courted forward creates a problematic situation for the ruling German champion Bayern. Last summer, the Bavarians refused a deal buying Werner for 25 million with sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic claiming Werner's style doesn't fit.

Reports meanwhile speak of controversial debates after the club's refusal to sign Werner and to turn down a possible offer for Erling Haaland. While the Leipzig striker has scored 20 season goals after 22 games, the Norwegian has scored eight goals in five games in Dortmund's shirt.

Discussions about Werner accelerated again after the transfer of Bayern's reported main German international Leroy Sane.