Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his forward line in the January transfer window (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United are exploring the possibility of signing former Chelsea forward Timo Werner in January.
Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his forward line when the transfer window reopens with a view to view to recruiting a striker who can ease the burden on Rasumus Hojlund.
The £72million summer recruit from Atalanta has impressed in Europe where he has scored five times already, but is yet to break his duck in the Premier League and is currently out of action with a hamstring injury.
Anthony Martial returned to the starting line-up against Everton on Sunday and played a prominent role in a 3-0 win, earning the second half penalty which effectively settled the result before scoring his first Premier League goal since May.
While the 27-year-old’s talent has rarely been in doubt, his inability to maintain fitness has regularly undermined his United career and Ten Hag is seeking a more reliable alternative to Hojlund.
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As he was last winter, when he was able to sign only Wout Weghorst on loan following the high-profile exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ten Hag is again likely to be working with a limited budget.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s impending arrival is yet to be ratified but he is unlikely to make significant funds available immediately in any case, with his initial investment intended to be set aside to improve the club’s ailing infrastructure.
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Werner, meanwhile, proved a divisive figure during his two years at Stamford Bridge where his wayward finishing eventually saw Chelsea run out of patience with him.
The Germany international rejoined RB Leipzig almost 18 months ago but has scored only twice in 13 appearances this season and faces an uphill battle to retain his place in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad ahead of next summer’s European Championships.
A move to United would certainly raise his profile and, according to Sky Germany, the Premier League club have made a shock enquiry as to his availability.
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