Timo Werner given deadline over New York Red Bulls contract offer with RB Leipzig desperate to get ex-Chelsea forward's €10m salary off their books

According to Sport Bild, Leipzig have set August 21 as the deadline for Timo Werner to decide on a move to NYRB. Werner could earn more at NYRB than the €10 million (£8m/$11m) he is currently on at Leipzig, but the performance-based deal means he would only get that if targets are met. He has rejected that proposal but the offer still stands for another two weeks.

Werner returned to Leipzig in 2022 after a difficult stint at Chelsea. He has since scored 11 goals in 35 games, showing mixed form. A loan move to Tottenham followed, but he failed to convince coach Ange Postecoglou or the management, leading the club to pass on a permanent deal. Leipzig now want to sell him as part of efforts to reduce their wage bill, with Werner among the top earners likely to be offloaded. Leipzig have repeatedly made it clear to Werner that he is not part of their plans.

Leipzig are planning a revolution in attack, having signed Johan Bakayoko from Dutch side PSV and are now interested in Liverpool's Harvey Elliot as a replacement for Xavi Simons.

Werner will hope to sort out his future soon as he seeks more playing time, while Leipzig are pushing for a move to free up funds for reinvestment