Tottenham 'set to hijack Timo Werner transfer' as Man Utd miss out again

06 January 2024 , 10:56

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Timo Werner looks set to join Tottenham on loan (Image: Getty Images)

Tottenham look to have hijacked Manchester United's pursuit of Timo Werner with a late swoop for the former Chelsea striker.

United have been in talks with RB Leipzig star Werner over a potential loan move until the end of the season. Werner, 27, struggled in his two seasons in the Premier League after joining Chelsea for £50million back in 2020.

He has since returned to Leipzig, where his prolific form earned him his move to Stamford Bridge, though he has failed to replicate his goalscoring exploits this season. United were hopeful of landing Werner on a short-term deal this month, however, in a bid to boost their own struggles in front of goal.

But Spurs now appear to have moved ahead of United in the race to sign Werner as discussions between the north London club and Leipzig are now at an advanced stage, with the player keen on making the switch, reports The Telegraph.

Sky Germany adds that Tottenham chiefs are holding final negotiations with their counterparts at Leipzig over a similar six-month loan deal to the one United were keen to complete. Some of the finer points of the agreement are yet to be determined, including whether or not the deal will include an option-to-buy clause.

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Werner was left out of Leipzig's squad to face St Gallen in a friendly on Saturday as the deal edged closer to completion, in a swoop which will see him return to London 18 months on from ending his disappointing spell at Spurs' rivals.

Werner is Leipzig's record goalscorer and hit 16 in all competitions for them last season but has found the net just twice in 14 appearances this campaign. His spell at Chelsea was dogged by misfortune in front of goal and he admitted after his first difficult season that he was struggling for confidence.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has injected fresh belief into the club since his appointment in the summer and has moved for Werner to help cover the absence of captain Son Heung-min, who has gone to represent South Korea in the Asia Cup. It is a cruel blow for United, who have experienced several deals being swept up by their rivals in recent seasons.

United were chasing both Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch, who eventually joined Liverpool. Spurs suffered the same fate when they and United were both pursuing Luis Diaz, who also signed for Liverpool instead.

Darren Wells