Report: Werner transfer takes another step closer to fruition 

The much discussed transfer of Timo Werner to Liverpool has taken another positive step according to reports.

The RB Leipzig striker continued his scintillating season on Sunday by scoring his third hat trick of the campaign in a 5-0 rout against Mainz.

The Mirror reported that Jürgen Klopp held a virtual meeting with the 24 year-old during lockdown and well connected German journalist Rafael Honigstein confirmed that plans are in place but the Covid-19 pandemic have made things a little bit more uncertain in a financial sense.

“I think it depends on what Liverpool want to do because Werner's been on the record saying he wants to go there and he is available because of a release clause which at the worst would cost about £55m.

“So far Liverpool have been linked closely and there has been a meeting between him and Jurgen Klopp, at least a virtual one over the last few weeks.

“I think they're a bit hesitant to pull the trigger because they haven't quite figured out how much of a financial problem the coronavirus will present itself to football, coming over the next month in the Premier League.

"I think he's waiting for things to fall into shape and it could be that the transfer window is much later than usual."

“This kind of deal would have been announced in April/May, this time it could be August or September, but I still think there's a very strong chance he'll end up at Liverpool."

The summer transfer targets of Liverpool have been something of much discussion during this halt to the season.

While the name of Werner has been extremely prominent, so too has Adama Traore with Klopp a known admirer describing him as “unplayable in full flight” and Andy Robertson recently saying that the Wolves winger has been his toughest opponent this season.

“Traore this season ripped me apart, to be fair."

“He’s ridiculous. Without a doubt [he’s the fastest in the league].

"I think he could give most Premier League defenders a 15-yard start and he’d still win the race.

Club legend Graeme Souness said in his Sunday column that Traore is the most intriguing player in the Premier League.

“Traore has improved and let’s hope he keeps on improving because he gets you on the edge of your seat.

“At the moment I would say he is, pretty much, unplayable. I’ve said it now a couple of times and it is still true.

“He is now not only a winger anymore, he keeps the ball, holds the ball and sets up goals, obviously. That makes it so difficult, each ball you lose is 100 per cent a counter-attack and half a goal.