Man Utd face transfer fight to land Timo Werner on loan as Aston Villa hope to tempt striker to join shock title bid
MANCHESTER UNITED face competition from Aston Villa to sign RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner on loan in the January transfer window, according to reports.
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of forwards including Mauro Icardi, Donyell Malen and Serhou Guirassy.
Earlier this month, Werner was mooted as another man Erik ten Hag was looking at as a short-term solution to their scoring problems.
Several Man Utd forwards are struggling to hit the back of the net, with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony Martial and Antony netting just four Premier League goals between them.
However, Unai Emery’s Villa are now also in the frame to swoop in and secure a loan deal for Werner, 27.
The Midlands club sit just one point adrift of league leaders Arsenal following their 1-1 draw with Sheffield United on Friday night.
But they remain light up front as Emery has little back-up for striker Ollie Watkins.
Watkins, 27, has scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in 25 games so far this season.
He has started all 18 of their Premier League matches, with Jhon Duran their only alternative to the England man.
With the league, FA Cup and Europa Conference League all still up for grabs heading into the new year, Werner would hand Emery an option when it comes to rotating his side.
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The German has scored just two goals in 14 games for Leipzig this season.
But he did show glimpses during his time at Chelsea – where he scored 23 times and contributed a further 21 assists in 89 games for the club.
According to reports, Werner is an ideal loan option for Villa as they prepare to sign a “superstar striker” in the summer when Financial Fair Play permits them to do so.
Werner is under contract with Leipzig until 2026.
Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho is another option Villa are understood to be keeping tabs on.
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