Red Bull Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff has denied any deal has been struck over the transfer move of Timo Werner to Chelsea.
According to reports, Werner’s £53m release clause had been triggered by Frank Lampard’s side and he was on his way to join the blues.
Liverpool had been the favourites to land the German forward, with Manchester United also in the hunt for his signature, but Chelsea are now believed to be in pole position.
However, Leipzig say there is no ‘formal agreement’ that will see him sign for Chelsea.
‘We haven’t had an exchange yet,’ managing director Mintzlaff told Sky Sports Germany.
‘Accordingly, we have nothing to report. Timo Werner is a player for RB Leipzig. He signalled a few weeks ago that he was busy with a transfer. Until now nothing is done.
‘We are concentrating on the final sprint in the league. We want to qualify for the Champions League. That is the only thing we are currently discussing with Timo.
‘It was important for us that we extend the contract with him. We did that last summer because of course it is important for our young club that no player moves on a free transfer.
‘Of course, there was this exit clause that we put in the contract to give him the opportunity to take the next step.
‘Now Timo is sitting in the driver’s seat, not us anymore. So far, he has not drawn upon the clause, nor has any club sent us a transfer contract.’
