Timo Werner transfer: RB Leipzig chief claims striker’s £54m release clause has not yet been activated

Striker is expected to finalise a deal to join Chelsea in the coming days

RB Leipzig chief executive Oliver Mintzlaff has denied that Timo Werner’s release clause has been activated as Chelsea seek to finalise personal terms with the striker.

Frank Lampard's side are expected to put the finishing touches to a five-year deal for Werner in the coming days that will make him one of the highest-paid players at the club.

While that process is now considered a formality, only then will the striker, who has scored 25 Bundesliga goals in 30 games this season, activate the £54m release clause in his contract.

“We haven’t had an exchange with Chelsea yet,” Mintzlaff told Sky Germany. “So far, Timo Werner has not drawn the clause, nor has a club sent a transfer contract.

“We have nothing to report and do not take part in the daily speculation.”

Werner will become Chelsea’s second signing under Frank Lampard after a deal for Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech was agreed in February.

Liverpool were initially frontrunners to sign Werner, who spoke with manager Jurgen Klopp several times, but were reluctant to commit to such a significant outlay in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the swirl of speculation, Werner started Leipzig’s Bundesliga fixture against bottom-club Paderborn on Saturday.