Bayern Munich have reportedly made contact with Roberto Firmino as Liverpool line up a move for Timo Werner this summer.
Jurgen Klopp’s side have continually been linked with RB Leipzig forward Werner, who has scored 21 goals in 23 Bundesliga games this season as well as netting four in the Champions League.
Firmino has also been the subject of speculation, and has been touted as one who could make way if Liverpool move for Werner.
And pundit Ian McGarry reckons the reigning Bundesliga champions have already contacted Firmino’s representatives in a bid to gauge whether the former Hoffenheim striker could be tempted away from Anfield.
Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast , McGarry said: “We have accurately and consistently reported that Werner will join Liverpool we believe this summer.
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“I cannot report anything that I think changes that, although interestingly news is that Roberto Firmino’s representatives have been contacted by Bayern Munich in the last 10 days with regards to ‘would he be willing to leave Anfield?
“Would he be interested in a return to the Bundesliga? And would he be interested in becoming part of Bayern’s rebuild? Which of course they have been planning now since the beginning of last season.
“Firmino may fit in very well as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski who may well move on, potentially to MLS in the summer.”
However, McGarry’s co-host on the podcast, Duncan Castles, reckons Bayern will struggle to tempt Firmino to leave Liverpool.
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He believes 23-year-old Werner is instead being lined up as a long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah or Sadio Mane.
“The difficulty is getting Firmino out of Liverpool,” Castles said.
“Liverpool have to look at a replacement strategy for Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, who both have ambitions to play in Spain at some point in their careers.
“They’re also coveted by the biggest Spanish clubs. Liverpool are very much in control in the situation in terms of the contracts.
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“They can choose when to sell them and they can do so for a huge amount of money. They can also bring in replacements such as Timo Werner.
With his pace and his physicality, he’s a fit for Klopp’s style of football. He’s a good alternative to Mane or Salah.
“You could argue Firmino is the hardest one to replace. That complex link, shadow nine role he plays.
“You have to get a more specific type of forward in there to replace him.”
