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Real Madrid transfer news: Timo Werner and Rodrigo updates as clubs issue statements
REAL MADRID have suffered a double blow in their pursuits of Timo Werner and Rodrigo with club chiefs from both RB Leipzig and Valencia issuing statements.
Real Madrid need a new centre-forward says experts
Since Cristiano Ronaldo stunned La Liga by opting to leave the Bernabeu in favour of a new challenge with Juventus, Real Madrid have struggled to find his replacement.
Vinicius Junior remains the only new attacking arrival at Real this summer with time running out in the Spanish transfer window for more acquisitions.
Eden Hazard has been strongly linked with a move to the Spanish giants, but with Chelsea unable to find a replacement for the Belgium international due to the Premier League transfer window closing it is unlikely the Blues will allow him to leave.
That has meant Real have turned their attention elsewhere with both RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner and Valencia’s Rodrigo linked.
However, Leipzig coach and sporting director Ralf Rangnick insists the club have no intention of selling their prized forward.
"That's just not an issue for us," he told Sky Germany.
"Timo has made it clear to us as well as in many interviews that he will definitely play for us in the coming year.
"Moreover, he has stated that he wants to play at least one season under Julian Nagelsmann.
"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."
Reports also emerged at the weekend that Valencia are willing to sell Rodrigo for a fee starting at £54million.
However, Valencia president Anil Murthy has strongly denied such claims insisting any club interested in signing the 27-year-old must meet his release clause.
"Everyone is aware that [Real Madrid coach Julen] Lopetegui knows Rodrigo but what happens at Madrid, we do not know," he told Tribuna Deportivo radio show.
"What I do know is three things: Rodrigo is a very important player that has a very high value.
“He wants to play here with us and he has a £107m (€120m) release clause."