Former Liverpool captain Phil Thompson has claimed that Timo Werner is capable of challenging the club's front three for a regular starting role in Jurgen Klopp's first team.

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for the RB Leipzig striker when the transfer window reopens, and reports this week suggested that the Germany international is ready to agree terms should Liverpool trigger his £52m release clause.

Liverpool's current front three of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino is widely regarded as one of the best trios in world football, but Thompson believes that Werner would be a "fantastic" addition to Klopp's attacking arsenal.

"I think he'll give a realistic challenge to the front three. Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino - they look as though they're set," Thompson told Sky Sports News.

"We do have Divock Origi but I think everybody realises that he's more of an impact player, for sort of the last 15, 20 minutes - but that's not really good enough. We do need somebody a little bit better. Some people will say 'Will Werner get in and will he want to come to Liverpool?'. I think he would and I think he does.

"You look at Manchester City, they've got two top class players in every position. That is what Liverpool need and I think Werner would help to give us that. With the lure of Jurgen Klopp, I think that would tick the box for him, and I think he would be a fantastic signing. Something that we do actually need."

Werner has had a hand in 39 goals from 36 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions this season, scoring 27 and assisting 12.