Chelsea are closing in on completing a £54 million deal for RB Leipzig and Germany striker Timo Werner.

The 24-year-old was attracting interest from Liverpool, but it is understood the Blues have made the move and have now met the German’s release clause.

He is expected to tie up a five-year deal at Stamford Bridge as Frank Lampard looks to strengthen his side following the conclusion of their transfer ban.

Werner seemed destined for a move to Anfield after a year of speculation, but the Reds have failed to act, with the striker’s release clause expiring on June 15.

 In February, Werner was quoted as saying: "Jurgen Klopp is the best coach in the world. There is a lot to suggest that my style of play would suit there (Liverpool)."

Werner, who looks poised to move to Stamford Bridge when the transfer window opens later in the summer, has scored 92 goals in 154 games for the Bundesliga side.

He caught English football fans’ eyes when he struck against Tottenham in the Champions League back in February.

The former Stuttgart man will be the second major star to link up with Chelsea in the summer as the club have already agreed a deal to sign Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech.

The Blues are set to have a host of attacking options for the 2020-21 campaign.

Last month  they extended World Cup winner Olivier Giroud’s contract until the end of next season, while they also have England international Tammy Abraham, who scored 15 goals before coronavirus put a halt to games.