Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Real Madrid interest in Timo Werner 'not an issue for us' - RB Leipzig's Ralf Rangnick

RB Leipzig have said Germany forward Timo Werner is not on sale amid reported interest from Real Madrid.

Werner, who has two years left to run on his RB Leipzig contract, was linked with a move to the European champions by Marca at the weekend.

However, RB Leipzig coach and sporting director Ralf Rangnick rejected all speculation that he could still leave during the final days of the transfer window.

"That's just not an issue for us," Rangnick said to Sky. "Timo has made it clear to us as well as in many interviews that he will definitely play for us in the coming year."

Ralf Rangnick returned to the Leipzig dugout this summer as the club wait on current Hoffenheim coach Julian Nagelsmann, 31, who is set to take charge in 2019.

And the 60-year-old added that he believes the club's next coach also plays a role in Werner's plans.

"Moreover, he has stated that he wants to play at least one season under Julian Nagelsmann," Rangnick said. "With only two years left on his current deal, Leipzig would, however, most likely not allow Werner to go into the 2019-20 season without committing his future to the club for longer than the summer of 2020. We will try to extend his contract ahead of time."

Having joined RB Leipzig from VfB Stuttgart in 2016, Werner has scored 34 goals and set up a further 17 for his team in 63 Bundesliga appearances over the past two seasons.

Rangnick told kicker that the club are hoping to make two more signings this summer.

"We must have two players for every position as long as we play the Thursday/Sunday rhythm. Those already here must be fit and healthy," Rangnick said. "And on top of that we need those two new players, we'd love to transfer."

According to the German football magazine, Leipzig have made Everton winger Ademola Lookman their top priority, and hope to land the England under-21 international for around €20 million.

Bayern Munich's Sebastian Rudy also reportedly remains a candidate, but Leipzig continue to battle for the Germany international's signature with Schalke, who currently appear to lead the race for the midfielder rated at "over €15 million" by Bayern president Ulrich Hoeness.

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