Chelsea have accepted defeat in their pursuit of Timo Werner and believe he will sign for Liverpool instead, reports claim.
The Germany international is a target for several of Europe’s top clubs, including their Premier League rivals Manchester United, after a fine goalscoring season in the Bundesliga.
Werner, 24, has banged in 27 goals in all competitions this season, and the race is hotting up to land one of Europe’s most deadly strikers.
But Chelsea have turned their main focus elsewhere after accepting Liverpool are the favourites to sign him.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big admirer of the frontman and Stamford Bridge chiefs believe he will be moving to Merseyside.
So they will instead focus on bringing Lyon forward Moussa Dembele to west London, according to The Athletic.
Tammy Abraham is reluctant to commit to a new deal until he learns of Frank Lampard’s plans for him – and for any new additions – and he is demanding a similar £120,000-a-week deal to Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Chelsea will enter the market for a striker regardless of Abraham’s future and will allow at least one of Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud to leave.
Follow Metro Sport across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
