Timo Werner is in advanced talks to join Tottenham on loan for the rest of the season, a surprise transfer from RB Leipzig.
The former Chelsea forward returned to the Bundesliga following a star-crossed two-year stay in west London, during which he failed to fully recover his early potential.
The 27-year-old returned to his former club in 2022, but has struggled for minutes this season due to recurrent injury and a sluggish form.
In 14 appearances across all competitions this season, the Germany international has only scored twice and provided an assist.
However, Tottenham may be the ones to give him a return to Premier League play, having beaten Manchester United to the forward’s signature.
The Red Devils began approaching Werner in late 2023, and were widely considered to be the frontrunners for his signature if he was willing to go in the January transfer window.
Aston Villa was also believed to be interested in signing the former Blues forward.
Leipzig and Tottenham are working out the details, such as the money and if the sale should contain a buy option, but conversations are still going well.
Werner is expected to leave Marco Rose’s camp over the weekend and head to Tottenham.
The prospective signing will come as a blow to Erik ten Hag, who is looking to strengthen his offensive ranks during the January window.
Manchester United have missed the mark this season, with £72 million summer signing Rasmus Hojlund scoring his first Premier League goal on Boxing Day after months of struggling in front of goal.
The Red Devils are interested in signing Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, who could be the first major signing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s era at Old Trafford.
The INEOS billionaire bought a 25% stake in the Manchester club for £1.3 billion on Christmas Eve, but will not have full control of football operations until the Premier League approves the deal in February.